25/02/2011
UK GDP Figures Revised Down
According to revised data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK economy shrank even more than expected in the final three months of 2010.
The figures show that gross domestic product (GDP) slipped by 0.6% during that period, revised down from the previously estimated fall of 0.5 per cent. GDP in the fourth quarter of 2010 is now 1.5 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2009.
The ONS believe the heavy snow was to blamed for the slump. They said: "The snow effect we think is still 0.5%. On the basis of that, the economy is still flattish at minus 0.1%. The overall picture is still a flattish underlying economy in the fourth quarter."
Although they reported that the manufacturing industry did quite well, they added that the construction industry was weak. Output in the service industries was revised down to a fall of 0.7 per cent in the latest quarter from a fall of 0.5 per cent reported in the preliminary estimate.
The decline this quarter was driven by a fall in business services of 1.1 per cent, together with a fall of 1.4 per cent in transport, storage and communications services.
The revised data may now affect how quickly the Bank of England raises interest rates.
Documents released on Wednesday from the Bank's rate-setters hinted that those who had opposed a hike in rates this month would consider a change in stance if the GDP figures suggested a growing economy.
Worries are now mounting over the recent pick-up in inflation by rising commodity prices and the VAT increase.
(BMcN/GK)
The figures show that gross domestic product (GDP) slipped by 0.6% during that period, revised down from the previously estimated fall of 0.5 per cent. GDP in the fourth quarter of 2010 is now 1.5 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2009.
The ONS believe the heavy snow was to blamed for the slump. They said: "The snow effect we think is still 0.5%. On the basis of that, the economy is still flattish at minus 0.1%. The overall picture is still a flattish underlying economy in the fourth quarter."
Although they reported that the manufacturing industry did quite well, they added that the construction industry was weak. Output in the service industries was revised down to a fall of 0.7 per cent in the latest quarter from a fall of 0.5 per cent reported in the preliminary estimate.
The decline this quarter was driven by a fall in business services of 1.1 per cent, together with a fall of 1.4 per cent in transport, storage and communications services.
The revised data may now affect how quickly the Bank of England raises interest rates.
Documents released on Wednesday from the Bank's rate-setters hinted that those who had opposed a hike in rates this month would consider a change in stance if the GDP figures suggested a growing economy.
Worries are now mounting over the recent pick-up in inflation by rising commodity prices and the VAT increase.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 December 2012
One In Three Year Six Children Overweight
One in three final year primary school children are overweight or obese. The percentage of final year – Year 6 - primary school children (generally aged ten to 11) who were overweight or obese increased to 33.9 per cent in 2011/12, up from 33.4 per cent in the previous year.
One In Three Year Six Children Overweight
One in three final year primary school children are overweight or obese. The percentage of final year – Year 6 - primary school children (generally aged ten to 11) who were overweight or obese increased to 33.9 per cent in 2011/12, up from 33.4 per cent in the previous year.
10 January 2012
Millions Of New Year Quit Attempts Doomed To Go Up In Smoke
Two thirds of UK smokers, the equivalent of six million people, will try and quit in January but half will have failed within just one week, according to new research among 6,300 current or former smokers. In addition, one in ten quit attempts will last less than 24 hours.
Millions Of New Year Quit Attempts Doomed To Go Up In Smoke
Two thirds of UK smokers, the equivalent of six million people, will try and quit in January but half will have failed within just one week, according to new research among 6,300 current or former smokers. In addition, one in ten quit attempts will last less than 24 hours.
29 March 2012
Economic Climate Puts Young Brits 'Life In Limbo'
A staggering two thirds of Brits (65 per cent) have been forced to put important life decisions on hold due to the current economic climate.
Economic Climate Puts Young Brits 'Life In Limbo'
A staggering two thirds of Brits (65 per cent) have been forced to put important life decisions on hold due to the current economic climate.
10 August 2010
Survey Shows House Price Drop
House prices are starting to fall, according to the latest research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). The survey found that eight per cent of surveyors reported a fall, rather than a rise in house prices - the lowest reading since last July.
Survey Shows House Price Drop
House prices are starting to fall, according to the latest research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). The survey found that eight per cent of surveyors reported a fall, rather than a rise in house prices - the lowest reading since last July.
17 April 2012
UK House Prices Rise
In the year to February 2012, UK house prices increased by 0.3 per cent, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The average UK mix-adjusted house price was £224,473. Average house prices increased in both England and Scotland by 0.4 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.
UK House Prices Rise
In the year to February 2012, UK house prices increased by 0.3 per cent, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The average UK mix-adjusted house price was £224,473. Average house prices increased in both England and Scotland by 0.4 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.