2019.07.0307:51:00UTC+00UAE Private Sector Growth Slows, But Remains Robust

UAE private sector growth eased in June, but the pace of expansion remained strong, survey data from IHS Markit showed on Wednesday.

The Emirates NBD UAE Purchasing Managers' Index, or PMI, fell to 57.7 in June from 59.4 in May. Any reading above 50 indicates an expansion in the sector.

Business activity expanded sharply in June, though slightly weaker than the previous month. New orders grew strongly in June, but the price discounting continued.

Output prices fell for the ninth straight month in June and input prices fell marginally. There was a slight increase in the purchase cost, while wages and salaries remained unchanged.

The employment level was unchanged in June and backlogs of works increased.

Purchasing activity grew for the second month in a row and stocks of purchases increased at a softer pace in June, marking the slowest since February.

Non-oil companies remained optimistic about an increase in business activity over the coming year, but the business sentiment eased further.