UK economy returns to growth
The UK's economy grew by 0.2% in August, according to official figures.
The slight rise in gross domestic product (GDP) – which is intended as a measurement of a country's total output – comes after two successive months of stagnation.
The figures, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), were in line with the forecasts of economists polled by the Reuters news agency, who predicted growth would be 0.2%.
Liz McKeown, from the ONS, said: "All main sectors of the economy grew in August, but the broader picture is one of slowing growth in recent months, compared to the first half of the year."
She added: "In August, accountancy, retail and many manufacturers had strong months, while construction also recovered from July's contraction. These were partially offset by falls in wholesaling and oil extraction."
The ONS estimated that the economy also grew by 0.2% in the three months to August.
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Officials confirmed there were no revisions to its previous estimates of zero growth in both June and July.
Researchers also found that the UK's total underlying trade deficit widened by £3bn to £10bn in the three months to August 2024, driven by an increase in goods imports.
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