British construction growth at 21-month high in March

Construction in Britain expanded at the fastest pace in 21 months in March, adding to signs the economy returned to growth in the first quarter.

A gauge of building activity rose to 56.7 from 54.3 in February, Markit Economics Ltd and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply said in a report yesterday.

The median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey of nine economists was 53.4. A reading above 50 indicates expansion.