The UK economy has emerged from the second wave of the virus with limited short term damage. GDP contracted by 1.5% over the first quarter, less than feared at the onset of the third lockdown. Even better, high frequency indicators are pointing towards a brighter outlook. All 12 regions reported growth in April with Northern Ireland posting its first month of private sector expansion since last September. Local firms are the most optimistic about the year ahead since the pandemic struck.
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Chief Economist’s Weekly Brief – A good start
If you’re walking in the dark it’s useful to know where you’re starting from. With Q2 GDP growth confirmed at 0.6%, supported by decent data for June, we can be confident that the UK economy started the summer in decent shape.
Chief Economist’s Weekly Brief – Heading towards the exit
Economic data will be closely scrutinised for evidence of the impact of the UK’s referendum result to leave the European Union. But in the immediate aftermath of the vote the political changes were already occurring. Continue reading