A Confederation of British Industry survey showed Britain’s factory order books balance rose to -9 in September 2026 from -25 in August, exceeding expectations of -34 and reaching its strongest level since July 2023. The balance has increased by 36 points over two months, the largest such rise since records began 49 years ago. Export orders improved to -9, while the output balance rose to -4 from -17 despite a marginal decline in production. Manufacturers expect output to ease again through December, with the balance at -6. Selling-price expectations fell to +12 from +22, nearer the long-run average of +8, while finished-goods inventories were only just adequate at +2. The CBI said the figures indicated tentative stabilisation but warned that energy, employment and supply-chain costs continued to constrain firms. It said the upcoming Budget could support investment and growth by lowering business costs and improving confidence.