The latest survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) showed on Tuesday the UK manufacturers’ order books remained below normal in September, and to a much greater extent than in August.

According to the report, the CBI's monthly factory order book balance decreased to -28 in September from -13 in the previous month. Economists had expected the reading to drop to -18.

According to the report, export order book gauge also declined sharply to -32 from -15 in August, compared to a long-run average of -17. Meanwhile, the present stocks of finished goods were reported as above adequate (+28, the highest balance since May 2009).

The survey also revealed the measure of manufacturers’ output expectations in the coming quarter fell to -19, the lowest balance since April 2009. Expectations for growth in average selling prices for the coming three months (+12) accelerated to pace above the long-run average of +3.