British businesses remain downbeat about the economic outlook for the months to come, according to a survey from the Confederation of British Industry, although a separate Institute of Directors survey showed smaller firms were less negative. "Activity continues to be buffeted by weak household spending and clients' reluctance to commit to big expenditure," CBI Deputy Chief Economist Alpesh Paleja said. "Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are adding another layer of pressure, with firms increasingly alert to the risk of further cost increases." Following are details from the reports and other recent data: • The output expectations balance for CBI members for the next three months edged up to -24 in May from -25 in April but was well below February's 15-month high of -13, before the Iran war • The output balance for the three months to May fell to -31 from -24 in April, above March's 4-month low of -35