UK economy slows nearly to a halt as Brexit weakens demand
Last month, British economic growth has slowed so much it nearly stopped as Brexit and weaker global expansion takes its toll on the UK economy.
The UK economy grew so slowly last month that it came close to stalling, as the services sector could only muster modest growth, while British manufacturing and construction saw weak expansion as Brexit uncertainty continues to take its toll, according to a recent business survey.
The IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed a touch higher in May to 51.0, up from 50.4 recorded in April, registering marginally above the 50.0 no-change mark for the second consecutive month.
UK economic growth remains ‘disappointingly muted’
Even though economic growth was able to reach a three-month high in May, the pace of expansion remained ‘disappointingly muted’, according to Chief Business economist at IHS Markit, Chris Williamson.
‘The UK economy remained close to stagnation midway through the second quarter as a result, registering one of the weakest performances since 2012,’ he added.
Companies surveyed reported weak business activity and subdued order books, leading to a reluctance to hire new staff and invest in growth in both domestic and overseas markets.
‘Many businesses remain cautious in relation to spending and investing in the uncertain political environment, which is exacerbating the impact of a wider global economic slowdown on the UK,’ Williamson said.
Bank of England forecasts weak quarterly growth
Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed that the British economy grew by a relatively robust 0.5% in the first quarter of this year. But the country is unlikely to recreate that level of expansion again.
The Bank of England (BoE) has forecast that the UK economy grow by just 0.2% in the three months to June, making it far more likely to see the BoE slash interest rates than raise them year.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Ltd and IG Markets South Africa Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
Trading around Brexit
Find out how the UK’s exit from the EU continues to affect traders, and discover:
- The unique opportunities in a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ Brexit
- The markets you should be watching
- Everything that’s happened so far
Live prices on most popular markets
- Forex
- Shares
- Indices
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only
