The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply/Markit construction PMI index rose to 47.1 in December from 47.0 in November. Anything below 50 is a decline

A breakdown by sub-sector showed both commercial and civil engineering construction activity continued to decline in December, but residential construction expanded for a fourth month running and at its fastest rate since August 2007.

Incoming new business declined after rising in November. But construction companies were optimistic business would pick up over the coming year.