Oil prices fall as US-Iran talks continue; UK manufacturing activity cools in June – business live

Technical talks reportedly under way in Doha, with Qatar and Pakistan acting as mediatorsUK manufacturing activity cooled in June despite a boost from ⁠companies stockpiling ahead of price increases and supply chain problems stemming from the Middle East conflict, according to closely ⁠watched industry survey.The final reading of S&P Global’s purchasing managers’ index for June fell to 52.5, ⁠below a preliminary estimate of 53.1, and May’s reading of 53.9. Readings above 50 indicate an expansion in activity.The UK ‌manufacturing sector ended the second quarter of the year on a positive note.Sustaining the upturn is becoming a bigger concern. Manufacturers are currently benefiting from client strategic stockpiling, as they safeguard against supply chain ‌disruptions and expected price rises