BIZBBC NewsTHU 15 OCT 2026 / 2:10 AM CDT

UK economy sees surprise growth in August ahead of Healey's first Budget

The UK's economy recorded surprise growth in August despite the impact of rising energy prices and borrowing costs.

Official figures showed the economy expanded by 0.1% in the month, defying analysts' expectations of a slight contraction.

It means the economy grew by 0.7% in the three months to August, and follows an upgrade to this year's forecast for the UK economy from global watchdog the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Read the original report

Opens BBC News in a new tab

BIZBBC News1h

Anthropic flags revenue surge to investors ahead of stock market debut

It comes as some investors have become concerned about the amount of money being spent on AI infrastructure.

BIZBBC News9h

How backlash against data centres could shape the US midterm elections

Democrats and Republicans alike are coming out against data centre development, amid growing backlash across the US.

BIZCNBC12h

Morgan Stanley tops estimates as equities trading revenue beats expectations by $909 million

Morgan Stanley topped expectations on the top and bottom lines for the third quarter.

BIZBBC News15h

Drop-off charges at UK airports to be reviewed after sharp increase

Confirming the review, the government said it was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly".

Back to the brief

UK economy sees surprise growth in August ahead of Healey's first Budget

More on this deskAll BIZ

Anthropic flags revenue surge to investors ahead of stock market debut

How backlash against data centres could shape the US midterm elections

Morgan Stanley tops estimates as equities trading revenue beats expectations by $909 million

Drop-off charges at UK airports to be reviewed after sharp increase