The monthly order book balance rose to -30 in January, which marks a slight improvement from the -32 estimate in December. That’s the best reading since September but it still points to extended weakness in the industrial sector. For some context, the index remains well below its long-run average of -14.The only bright side is that business optimism is seen improving to -19 from -31 previously. But on the prices side, there is more discouraging news for the BOE. The survey’s gauge of expected prices jumped to 29 (previously 19), which is the highest since February 2023. And that was when the UK got a price shock amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, so this is something to be mindful of as price pressures remain a concern.CBI notes that existing conditions for manufacturers are “extremely tough”. Adding that:”At the same time, cost pressures – from rising wages, high energy prices and taxes – are squeezing margins and weighing on competitiveness, pushing firms to plan price rises even as demand remains subdued.”
This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.
đź’ˇ DMK Insight
The recent rise in the monthly order book balance to -30 is a glimmer of hope, but here’s why traders should stay cautious: While the improvement from -32 in December suggests a potential stabilization, it still indicates ongoing weakness in the industrial sector. This is particularly relevant as many traders look for signs of recovery before making significant moves. The fact that this reading is the best since September might entice some to consider bullish positions, but with the index still below its long-run average, the risk of a false breakout looms large. Traders should keep an eye on related sectors, particularly materials and manufacturing stocks, which could react to any shifts in sentiment. Watch for any further improvements in the upcoming months, as sustained positive readings could signal a more robust recovery. In the meantime, keep your stops tight and be prepared for volatility, especially if economic data continues to underperform expectations.
đź“® Takeaway
Monitor the industrial sector closely; a sustained improvement above -30 could signal a shift, but be wary of volatility.





