U.K. Recovery Signs Mount From Builders to Retailers: Economy

U.K. construction unexpectedly returned to growth last month and retail sales increased, adding to indications of a tentative economic recovery.

An index of building activity rose to 50.8 from 49.4 in April, Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply said today in London. This is the first reading above 50, which divides expansion from contraction, since October. A separate report from the British Retail Consortium showed like-for-like retail sales increased an annual 1.8 percent in May.

bloomberg.com