UK Economy Exits Recession With Forecast-Beating GDP Increase

The ONS also said that industrial production increased by 0.2% in March from February

Alliance News 10 May, 2024 | 10:30AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Shopping UK Main

The UK economy grew by more than expected in March and in the first quarter of 2024, exiting an apparent technical recession, official figures showed today.

UK gross domestic product increased by 0.4% in March from February, the Office for National Statistics reported. This was ahead of FXStreet-cited market consensus of 0.1% growth. UK gross domestic product (GDP) had expanded by 0.2% on-month in February, according to revised data from the ONS.

In the first quarter of 2024, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.6%, beating expectations of a 0.4% increase and following a 0.3% decline in the fourth quarter of 2023 and a 0.1% decline in the third quarter.

These combined third and fourth quarter figures were enough to push the UK into a technical recession, usually classed as two or more consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.

Compared with the same quarter a year ago, GDP rose 0.2%.

The ONS also said that industrial production increased by 0.2% in March from February. It was expected to decline by 0.5%, according to FXStreet. Production had risen by 1.0% in February from January.

On an annual basis, industrial production improved by 0.5% in March, having risen by 1.0% a month earlier.

Data on Friday also showed the UK trade deficit narrowed to £1.10 billion in March from £2.29 billion in February, as imports fell at a faster pace than exports.

The value of goods imports declined by 2.5% in March, because of lower imports of machinery and transport equipment and fuels.

The value of goods exports decreased by 1.3%, with a fall in exports to non-EU countries partially offset by a rise in exports to the EU.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News senior reporter

 

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Alliance News  provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures