UK economy grows faster than expected

Figures published this week show that the UK's economy had higher than expected growth in the three months to September.

Gross domestic product (GDP) for the quarter rose by 0.4%, compared with 0.3% in each of 2017's first two quarters, according to latest Office for National Statistics figures.

The pound rose more than a cent against the dollar and nearly a cent against the euro in the first couple of hours of trading after the announcement.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said:

"We have a successful and resilient economy which is supporting a record number of people in employment.

"My focus now, and going into the Budget, is on boosting productivity so that we can deliver higher-wage jobs and a better standard of living."

When grown is considered by sector, the largest part of the modern UK economy, the service sector,  expanded by 0.4%.

In particular, computer programming, motor traders and retailers were the businesses that showed the strongest performance.

Manufacturing expanded by 1% during the quarter - a return to growth after a weak second quarter.

The figures take the cumulative increase in GDP since 2010 to 15.8% in real terms.



Here is a chart produced by the Office for National Statistics showing Cumulative UK GDP growth (line graph) and growth by quarter (Bar graph) over the past ten years. You can see on the graph the substantial negative impact of the 2007/8 recession, that the economy has been growing since then, recovered to the pre-recession level in the second quarter of 2013 and is now about ten percent above that level and 15.8% above where it was in 2010.

Comments

Anonymous said…
if you say so
Chris Whiteside said…
Actually it's not me that says so, it's the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Move your mouse over the words "according to latest Office for National Statistics figures" in the post and click the left mouse button and it should activate a clever bit of internet technology called a "hyperlink" which enables your computer to display for you the report on the ONS website which says it.

That report both confirms the 0.4% growth figure for the quarter and includes in downloadable form the graph I have added to the post which shows the pattern of UK GDP growth over the past ten years and backs up the graphic from the Conservative campaign centre.

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