27/07/2001

UK economic growth falls to lowest rate

Business analysts have revealed that UK economic growth has fallen to its lowest rate in more than two years.

A new economic report has revealed that while the British economy has performed more robustly than its neighbours in recent months, it has been inevitable that the slowdown in the US would take its toll sooner or later.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by just over 2.1 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2001, according to preliminary figures - sharply down from the 2.7 per cent annual rate reported in the first quarter.

During the second quarter alone, GDP grew by 0.3 per cent, the slowest quarterly rate since October 1998.

The news is likely to add further fuel to the campaign for a cut in interest rates. However, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has left base rates unchanged, at 5.25%, since May. The MPC is due to meet again on 1 and 2 August. (MB)

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