UK economy rebounds with unexpected services strength

London

GROWTH in Britain's services sector unexpectedly strengthened in April, giving the economy a solid start to the second quarter after a weaker-than-forecast performance at the start of the year.

IHS Markit's index rose to 55.8 in April from 55 in March, defying expectations for a decline to 54.5. Its measures for manufacturing and construction published earlier this week also improved, and the gauges suggest that UK economic growth is running at a 0.6 per cent pace.