UK Manufacturing Production rises 0.2% MoM in September vs. +1% expected

Dhwani Mehta FXStreet

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the UK industrial and manufacturing production data on Thursday, suggesting that the recovery momentum in Britain’s industrial sector lost steam in September.

Manufacturing output arrived at 0.2% MoM in September versus 1.0% expectations and 0.7% booked in August, while total industrial output came in at 0.5% vs. 0.8% expected and 0.3% last.

On an annualized basis, the UK manufacturing production figures came in at -7.9% in September, missing expectations of -7.4%. Total industrial output plunged by 6.3% in September, against a -6.1% reading expected and the previous -6.4% print.

Separately, the UK goods trade balance numbers were published, which arrived at GBP-9.348 billion in September, versus GBP-9.50 billion expectations and GBP-9.01 billion last. Total trade balance (non-EU) came in at GBP-1.654 billion in September versus GBP-2.308 billion previous.

Related reads

Author

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

AUD/USD seems vulnerable near 0.6800, 10-month low amid bullish USD

AUD/USD languishes near a 10-month low during the Asian session on Friday, awaiting a break below 0.6800 before the next leg up amid a bullish US Dollar. Firming Fed rate-hike expectations, along with fading hopes for US-Iran diplomacy, help the USD hold gains at its highest level since April 2025. Moreover, the RBA’s dovish tilt undermines the Aussie and backs the case for further losses.

USD/JPY bulls turn cautious near 160.00 amid intervention risks

USD/JPY enters a bullish consolidation phase around its highest level since early September as bulls turn cautious amid intervention risk near 160.00. Meanwhile, the downside seems cushioned as the wide US-Japan interest rate gap keeps the Yen carry trade active. Furthermore, the possibility of a jumbo Fed rate hike and Middle East uncertainties hold the US Dollar near a 19-month top, supporting the currency pair.

Gold advances marginally; still below $3,900

Gold attempts a mild bounce and approaches the $3,900 region per troy ounce at the end of the week. The marginal recovery in the precious metal comes on the back of a vacillating mood surrounding the US Dollar along with mixed US Treasury yields following the release of US October Producer Prices.

Bitcoin just posted five straight losing weeks, and the storm may not be over yet

Bitcoin is struggling to find support, slipping below $70,000 as multiple headwinds threaten to push the Crypto King lower. The much-anticipated “Uptober” rally failed to materialize, with persistent selling pressure and widespread liquidations instead reinforcing the “Rektober” narrative.

Week ahead – Fed Minutes, inflation data and Nvidia earnings to guide investors

Fed minutes may add to hawkish tone as bets of 50-bps hike grow. Nvidia to report earnings as bar to impress high after spy scandal. Trade and geopolitics to be focal point of Trump-Xi summit.

Gold hit its lowest level of 2026 near $3,850

Gold (XAU/USD) attempts to stabilize around $3,890 on Friday after falling to $3,852 on Thursday, its lowest level since October 2025. The precious metal has lost more than 4% this week, as investors increasingly anticipate further monetary tightening from the Federal Reserve (Fed). The latest decline reflects a sharp change in market expectations.