United Kingdom flash S&P Global Services PMI unexpectedly arrives lower at 48.7 in June vs. 50.0 estimates

Sagar Dua FXStreet

Preliminary United Kingdom flash S&P Global Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declines at a faster pace to 48.7 in June from 49.3 in May. The Services PMI was expected to arrive higher at 50.0, a figure that separates expansion from contraction.

The overall private business activity contracts at a faster pace due to further contraction in the service sector activity and a slowdown in the manufacturing sector.

The Composite PMI contracts further to 49.4 from 49.7 in May. The Manufacturing PMI drops to 53.1 vs. 53.6 estimates and the prior release of 53.9.

“A disappointing June ‘flash’ PMI indicates that the economy contracted for a second successive month, albeit at only a 0.1% rate and merely flat-lining over the second quarter as a whole. “Price pressures remain elevated as companies point to the energy shock and supply squeeze from the war in the Middle East as exacerbating existing cost pressures from government policies," Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence said.

Market reaction

The selling pressure on the British Pound (GBP) extends against the US Dollar (USD) after the UK PMI data release. At press time, GBP/USD trades 0.26% lower at around 1.3215.

Economic Indicator

S&P Global Services PMI

The Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), released on a monthly basis by S&P Global, is a leading indicator gauging business activity in the UK’s services sector. Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month and can anticipate changing trends in official data series such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment and inflation. The index varies between 0 and 100, with levels of 50.0 signaling no change over the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates that the services economy is generally expanding, a bullish sign for the Pound Sterling (GBP). Meanwhile, a reading below 50 signals that activity among service providers is generally declining, which is seen as bearish for GBP.

GBP/USD extends losses toward 1.3200 after weak UK PMI data

GBP/USD loses further ground toward 1.3200 in the European session on Tuesday. Political uncertainty in the United Kingdom weighs on the British Pound, alongside weak business PMI data for June. Meanwhile, the US Dollar capitalizes on the risk-off mood and hawkish Fed bets ahead of the US PMI release.

EUR/USD stays weak below 1.1450 after German, EU PMI data

EUR/USD struggles to stage a rebound and trades below 1.1450 in the European session on Tuesday, after the data from Germany showed that the Composite PMI declined to 48 in June from 48.8 May, while that from the Eurozone rose to 49.5. Meanwhile, the US Dollar holds the upper hand against the Euro amid risk-off sentiment and a hawkish Fed outlook, leaving the pair on the defensive. Traders now await the US PMI data.

Gold drops to nearly two-week low, seems vulnerable amid Fed hike bets, bullish USD

Gold adds to its Asian session losses, and drops to a nearly two-week low, around the $4,115 region in the last hour amid a bullish US Dollar. Despite positive signals from US-Iran peace talks, widespread skepticism remains toward a final deal. This helps the USD in preserving its recent strong gains to the highest level since May 2025.

Bears cap Solana below $75 as ETF, retail demand wanes

Solana edges below $72 risking a third consecutive day of losses that could erase the 5% gains from Friday. SOL-focused Exchange Traded Funds reflect muted demand from institutional investors following a minor recovery last week. Meanwhile, retail trading activity hints at a bearish positional buildup.

US S&P Global PMI expected to show steady business growth in June

S&P Global will release the June flash Purchasing Managers' Indices for most major economies, with the United States data scheduled on Tuesday. These surveys of top private-sector executives are seen as an early indicator of the country’s economic health.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.