Here is what the page “UK GDP Grows 0.1% in August, Defying Forecasts Ahead of Budget” contains. The UK economy unexpectedly expanded by 0.1% in August, according to the Office for National Statistics, confounding City economists who had predicted a 0.1% contraction. The growth, though modest, follows a stronger 0.4% expansion in July and comes just two weeks before Chancellor John Healey's budget, which is expected to address the cost of living crisis. The resilience in GDP occurred despite a fall in consumer spending, suggesting other sectors such as services or production may have offset the decline.
The data provides a slightly brighter backdrop for the government as it prepares fiscal measures aimed at supporting households. Economists will watch whether this momentum continues into the autumn, but with consumer confidence fragile and inflation pressures lingering, the path ahead remains uncertain. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.