15th Oct 2026 07:14
(Alliance News) - The UK economy registered surprise monthly growth in August, data on Thursday showed, led by a rise in production.
The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product climbed 0.1% in August from July, defying expectations of a decline. According to consensus cited by FXStreet, a 0.1% decline had been expected.
"The growth in August was driven by a 0.8% growth in production, with services showing no growth, and construction falling by 0.2% in August 2026," the ONS said.
GDP growth in August eased from a 0.4% rise in July from June. Monthly growth in June, meanwhile, was upwardly revised to 0.4% from a previously reported 0.3% rise from May.
Separate figures on Thursday showed the UK trade deficit narrowed to below GBP1 billion in August.
The trade deficit slimmed to GBP920 million in August, from GBP2.32 billion in July and GBP2.11 billion a month prior.
Imports fell 1.5% on-month to GBP83.25 billion in August from GBP84.53 billion in July. Exports edged up 0.1% to GBP82.33 billion from GBP82.21 billion.
By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor
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