This publication includes a summary of economic reports compiled by the Bank of England’s Agents between late December 2017 and late February 2018. It generally makes comparisons with activity and prices a year earlier.
This publication also includes a summary of information gathered by the Bank’s recently established Decision Maker Panel Survey.
- Robust growth in goods exports had tightened capacity and, together with improving profit margins, strengthened investment intentions in manufacturing slightly.
- Recruitment difficulties remained a primary concern, though the impact on pay growth had been limited.
- Some evidence of financial distress in retail and leisure, reflecting weak consumer spending growth.
Agents’ summary of business conditions and results from the Decision Maker Panel - 2018 Q1