The business activity index in the construction sector of the UK declined in August to 52.9 points from 55.8 points in July, when its 14-month maximum was recorded, the IHS Markit survey showed. Experts had predicted the figure at 55 points. The pace of expansion of activity in the construction sector was the weakest in 3 months. Loss of momentum was noted in all three categories of construction activities. The most successful sector was commercial construction. In housing construction, activity growth was the weakest since March. Work on civil engineering projects fell for the first time in five months.