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UK economy grew unexpectedly in August

Outlets agree that the British economy grew unexpectedly in August, defying forecasts of a contraction ahead of the new budget.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, February 2025
Photo · U.S. Department of Defense / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · shown in black and white

At a glance

  • The British economy expanded by 0.1% in August.123
  • The growth beat expectations from analysts who had predicted a contraction.12

Official data indicates that the British economy expanded by 0.1% in August.123

The growth came as a surprise to analysts who had forecast a slight economic contraction.12

The unexpected increase provides a positive signal for John Healey ahead of his upcoming budget.13

Where sources agree

  • UK economy grew by 0.1% in August3 of 3
  • August growth exceeded analyst forecasts3 of 3

Who covered this

2 International1 National

Sources

  1. 1BBC NewsHealey says surprise UK growth is 'sign of resilience' ahead of Budget ↗
  2. 2CNBCUK economy grew 0.1% in August, beating expectations ↗
  3. 3The GuardianUK economy unexpectedly grows in August despite fall in consumer spending ↗

Based on reporting from these reputable newsrooms and reviewed by Orbit’s editors. A fact appears only when at least two sources report it. Orbit is not affiliated with these publishers.

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