UK company growth slows in blow to Sunak; NatWest share sale threatened by general election – as it happened

A view of the City of London skyline. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters

3.20pm BST

Closing post

Time for a quick recap.

Growth in UK business activity has weakened this month, led by a slowdown in the services sector.

The Bank of England has cancelled all speeches and public statements by policymakers during the UK election campaign.

The general election is also expected to scupper government plans to sell its stake in NatWest to the public this summer.

Royal Mail’s parent company has delayed the release of its annual results, which were due this morning.

Updated at 3.22pm BST

3.11pm BST

Output growth at American companies has hit a two-year high this month, the latest poll of US purchasing managers, just released, shows.

S&P Global’s flash PMI survey shows an acceleration of business growth this month, which signals an improved economic performance.

The service sector led the upturn, reporting the largest output rise for a year, but manufacturing also showed stronger growth, the PMI report found.

⚠️BREAKING:

*U.S. MAY MANUFACTURING PMI 50.9, EXP. 50.0, LAST 50.0

*U.S. MAY SERVICES PMI 54.8, EXP. 51.2, LAST 51.3

🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/PyHET7nlHv

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