PRIVATE-sector output in Wales has deteriorated, shows latest research from NatWest Bank.
Its Wales business activity index registered 47.7 in September, down from 48.1 in August. Anything below 50 denotes contraction.
The pace of decline was faster than the UK average and the fastest seen in Wales since February 2021. Lower business activity was often linked to supply chain issues and weak client demand. The drop in output was broad based, with manufacturers recording a slightly sharper downturn.