UK economy bounces back in August as GDP ticks up 0.2%

‘Small glimmer of hope’ that recession could be avoided

Valeria Martinez
clock • 2 min read

The UK economy returned to growth in August after a poor July, raising hopes that a recession could be avoided this year.

According to the Office for National Statistics, gross domestic product grew 0.2% during the month, following a 0.6% dip in July — revised down from a 0.5% fall — when wet weather and continued industrial action dented activity.  Output in the services sector rose by 0.4% last month and was the only positive contributing sector to the growth in monthly GDP. Production output fell by 0.7% and construction output dropped 0.5%. In the three months to August, GDP increased by 0.3% when compared with the three months to May 2023, with growth in all sectors.  Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said:...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Five years on from Covid: What's next for markets?

Five years on from Covid: What's next for markets?

It is now five years since the start of the UK’s Covid lockdown. Since then, we have seen considerable market and geopolitical-related change. Here, William Marshall looks back over the past five years and also explores what we might expect from markets...

William Marshall
clock 06 May 2025 • 4 min read
Gilt yields fall after Donald Trump backs down in 'tariff war'

Gilt yields fall after Donald Trump backs down in 'tariff war'

US president pauses most additional tariffs

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 April 2025 • 2 min read
Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Reeves defends yearly Budget to avoid 'constant chopping and changing'

Treasury Committee scrutinises chancellor on Spring Statement

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 April 2025 • 3 min read