SCOTLAND's private sector economy contracted for the first time in 20 months in September, according to research, which will heighten fears the country may struggle to exit recession this year.
SCOTLAND's private sector economy contracted for the first time in 20 months in September, according to research, which will heighten fears the country may struggle to exit recession this year.
Custom byline text:
MARK WILLIAMSON
The latest Bank of Scotland PMI report suggests the private sector slipped into reverse in September after months of anaemic growth as the fall-out from the eurozone crisis took a heavy toll on firms.
The headline output index reading fell from 50.3 in August to 49.6 in September. This was the first reading below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction since December 2010.
We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.
Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.
