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Chancellor Hammond claims UK economic fundamentals are strong despite Brexit fears – live updates Chancellor Hammond claims UK economic fundamentals are strong despite Brexit fears – live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.46pm BST
12:46
Here’s more City reaction to the growth figures.
U.K. Q2 GDP 0.6% showed economy doing ok upto ref, as lead indicators suggested. Same leading ind now going south, so watch closely @afneil
Useful chart from Capital Economics underlines that basically all the net GDP growth in Q2 happened in April pic.twitter.com/sJDwgjQQoQ
UK economy picks up speed in second quarter but signs of slowdown appear. More here: https://t.co/n98va2k9WM pic.twitter.com/g9h7qVdph4
12.31pm BST
12:31
Retail sales take a tumble
Bad news: UK retail sales have fallen at the fastest pace in over four years in July this month.
The latest survey, from the CBI, bolsters concerns that the economy is weakening fast - unravelling the solid growth in the last quarter.
Some 24% of retailers said that sales volumes were up in July compared with a year earlier, while 38% said they were down, giving a rounded balance of -14%. That’s the weakest reading since January 2012.
The CBI says:
Within retail, sales by grocers, and furniture and carpets stores were the main drivers of the drop in overall volumes. But some sectors bucked the trend, with non-specialised department stores and retailers of footwear and leather goods reporting higher volumes.
Sam Tombs of Pantheon Economics says it’s worrying news:
First retail survey solely covering the post-ref period and guess what? It's collapsed. CBI reported sales bal. at lowest level since Jan 12
12.03pm BST12.03pm BST
12:0312:03
Ireland slashes growth forecasts after Brexit voteIreland slashes growth forecasts after Brexit vote
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
Ireland’s Central Bank has downgraded its forecasts for GDP growth for 2016 and 2017 citing the adverse affect of Brexit on the economy.Ireland’s Central Bank has downgraded its forecasts for GDP growth for 2016 and 2017 citing the adverse affect of Brexit on the economy.
Britain is Ireland’s biggest export partner while Ireland is Britain’s fifth biggest trading partner with €1.5bn in transactions a week.Britain is Ireland’s biggest export partner while Ireland is Britain’s fifth biggest trading partner with €1.5bn in transactions a week.
The Central Bank said it believed the Irish economy, which is one of the fastest growing in Europe, would continue to grow but that Brexit was negative for the economy.The Central Bank said it believed the Irish economy, which is one of the fastest growing in Europe, would continue to grow but that Brexit was negative for the economy.
It said it expected a prolonged period of uncertainty while the UK was negotiating its Brexit package which would damage investor confidence.It said it expected a prolonged period of uncertainty while the UK was negotiating its Brexit package which would damage investor confidence.
In a statement Ireland’s Central Bank chief economist, Gabriel Fagan, said while the economy’s reliance on the British export market had weakened over recent decades.In a statement Ireland’s Central Bank chief economist, Gabriel Fagan, said while the economy’s reliance on the British export market had weakened over recent decades.
However...However...
“Some sectors, including agri-food, clothing, footwear and tourism continue to have a relatively high dependency on exports to the UK and, consequently, could be affected disproportionately”.“Some sectors, including agri-food, clothing, footwear and tourism continue to have a relatively high dependency on exports to the UK and, consequently, could be affected disproportionately”.
Tourism is expected to take a particular hit because of the weakened pound.Tourism is expected to take a particular hit because of the weakened pound.
Among Ireland’s top 10 exports to Britain are food and drink and packaged medicines while the UK’s exports to Britain including gas, cars and pharmaceuticals.Among Ireland’s top 10 exports to Britain are food and drink and packaged medicines while the UK’s exports to Britain including gas, cars and pharmaceuticals.
Edgar Morganrath, associate research professor at Dublin’s Economic and Social Research Institute has said that custom paperwork could add three to four per cent on costs for exporters to the UK, in line with additional costs of exporting to non-EU territories including US and Canada.Edgar Morganrath, associate research professor at Dublin’s Economic and Social Research Institute has said that custom paperwork could add three to four per cent on costs for exporters to the UK, in line with additional costs of exporting to non-EU territories including US and Canada.
Here’s the full reportHere’s the full report
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at 12.25pm BST
11.53am BST11.53am BST
11:5311:53
Britain’s growth since the crisis is less impressive once you adjust for the increase in population:Britain’s growth since the crisis is less impressive once you adjust for the increase in population:
On a per-capita basis, the economy is only 1.3% bigger than in 2008, not the 7.7% headline increase report today.On a per-capita basis, the economy is only 1.3% bigger than in 2008, not the 7.7% headline increase report today.
Matthew Whittaker of the Resolution Foundation shows how this is much worse than in previous recessions:Matthew Whittaker of the Resolution Foundation shows how this is much worse than in previous recessions:
Q2 2016 @ONS data shows GDP per head 1.3% above Q407 peak. Much lower than at the same point post-80 & 90 recessions pic.twitter.com/Wkz5YjRuKyQ2 2016 @ONS data shows GDP per head 1.3% above Q407 peak. Much lower than at the same point post-80 & 90 recessions pic.twitter.com/Wkz5YjRuKy
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.59am BSTat 11.59am BST
11.36am BST11.36am BST
11:3611:36
Andy Bruce of Reuters has highlighted how April provided the bulk of the growth in the last quarter:Andy Bruce of Reuters has highlighted how April provided the bulk of the growth in the last quarter:
Strong Q2 UK #GDP? Actually it's really just an April surge followed by... not a lot else. pic.twitter.com/hofSo9kEx7Strong Q2 UK #GDP? Actually it's really just an April surge followed by... not a lot else. pic.twitter.com/hofSo9kEx7
11.22am BST11.22am BST
11:2211:22
If you’re just tuning in, here’s our news story on today’s growth figures:If you’re just tuning in, here’s our news story on today’s growth figures:
Related: UK economy grew by 0.6% before Brexit voteRelated: UK economy grew by 0.6% before Brexit vote
11.13am BST11.13am BST
11:1311:13
Andrew Sentance, senior economic adviser at PwC, fears that Britain’s economy is entering a period of weak growth, despite the forecast-beating performance in the last quarter:Andrew Sentance, senior economic adviser at PwC, fears that Britain’s economy is entering a period of weak growth, despite the forecast-beating performance in the last quarter:
“The pick up in growth in the UK in the second quarter is consistent with other data - for employment, retail sales and yesterday’s CBI survey of manufacturers.“The pick up in growth in the UK in the second quarter is consistent with other data - for employment, retail sales and yesterday’s CBI survey of manufacturers.
“However, we also know that the EU Referendum result has sent a shockwave through the business world and we should expect much slower growth this quarter - the main scenario in our latest PwC Economic Outlook suggests growth slowing to around 1.6% this year. 2017 is likely to see even more sluggish growth - our central view is for GDP to increase by just 0.6% next year.“However, we also know that the EU Referendum result has sent a shockwave through the business world and we should expect much slower growth this quarter - the main scenario in our latest PwC Economic Outlook suggests growth slowing to around 1.6% this year. 2017 is likely to see even more sluggish growth - our central view is for GDP to increase by just 0.6% next year.
11.03am BST11.03am BST
11:0311:03
Once upon a time, Britain’s chancellor would have celebrated today’s growth figures by donning a florescent jacket and building a wall.Once upon a time, Britain’s chancellor would have celebrated today’s growth figures by donning a florescent jacket and building a wall.
But Philip Hammond doesn’t shares George Osborne’s love of hard hats; so he’s decamped to London City Airport this morning.But Philip Hammond doesn’t shares George Osborne’s love of hard hats; so he’s decamped to London City Airport this morning.
He’s there to announce a £344m expansion programme for the airport, meaning more space for planes and an enlarged terminal to house extra passengers.He’s there to announce a £344m expansion programme for the airport, meaning more space for planes and an enlarged terminal to house extra passengers.
10.39am BST10.39am BST
10:3910:39
Today’s report shows that “dire predictions” that the economy would grind to a halt before the EU referendum were false, says Peter Rosenstreich of Swissquote Bank.Today’s report shows that “dire predictions” that the economy would grind to a halt before the EU referendum were false, says Peter Rosenstreich of Swissquote Bank.
In actuality, growth accelerated as business raced ahead of the uncertain vote (lead by industrial output). This unexpected read indicates that the UK economy was in stronger position ahead of the vote then originally forecasted.In actuality, growth accelerated as business raced ahead of the uncertain vote (lead by industrial output). This unexpected read indicates that the UK economy was in stronger position ahead of the vote then originally forecasted.
But Rosenstreich also fears Britain could now fall into recession:But Rosenstreich also fears Britain could now fall into recession:
However, this preliminary estimate does not capture the post referendum fallout, which is likely to drive Q3 lower, possibly into recession. We remain bearish on the British pound as the UK economy will clearly go through a period of economic adjustment and likely BoE interest rate cuts.”However, this preliminary estimate does not capture the post referendum fallout, which is likely to drive Q3 lower, possibly into recession. We remain bearish on the British pound as the UK economy will clearly go through a period of economic adjustment and likely BoE interest rate cuts.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.39am BSTat 10.39am BST
10.38am BST10.38am BST
10:3810:38
One decent quarter doesn’t mean Britain’s industrial sector has roared back, points out Ben Chu of the Independent:One decent quarter doesn’t mean Britain’s industrial sector has roared back, points out Ben Chu of the Independent:
Here's that Q2 surge in manufacturing and industrial production in a post 2008 levels context: pic.twitter.com/zHVCZECEgeHere's that Q2 surge in manufacturing and industrial production in a post 2008 levels context: pic.twitter.com/zHVCZECEge
10.26am BST
10:26
The chancellor has been tweeting:
#GDP growth of 0.6% in Q2 2016 shows UK economic fundamentals are strong with biggest quarterly rise in production for nearly 20 years
Britain is open for business – as we enter a period of adjustment, I’m confident we have the tools to manage the challenges ahead #GDP
10.25am BST
10:25
Martin Beck, senior economic advisor to the EY ITEM Club, also fears that the UK will contract following the Brexit vote, but might avoid a full-blown recession.
He points out that today’s strong growth reading is “almost entirely due to the exceptional April performance” [see earlier graph] That means the economy was probably weakening in June.
“GDP growth in Q2 looks likely to represent one last hurrah for the economy before it enters a softer and more turbulent period. The lack of momentum as the economy entered Q3 means that the chances of a negative reading for the current quarter are relatively high.
However, our view remains that the extent to which the economy will slow in the second half of the year has been overplayed and that the UK may avoid a technical recession.”
10.15am BST
10:15
Ben Brettell, senior economist at financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown, is encouraged by the 2.1% surge in UK industrial output:
The UK economy shook off pre-referendum nerves to grow by a better-than-expected 0.6% in the second quarter, with a notably strong performance from the manufacturing sector.
It’s always difficult to tell where you’re going by looking in the rear-view mirror, and as such today’s GDP figures can’t be taken as evidence of the current climate. However, what they do show is an absence of pre-Brexit concerns, meaning that if the forecast downturn does materialise, at least we start from a position of relative strength.
However... Danielle Haralambous of the Economist Intelligence Unit reckons it won’t last.....
Upturn in manufacturing production helped drive 0.6% #UK GDP growth in Q2. Surveys suggest won't be repeated in Q3. pic.twitter.com/ApTpRkU1VO
10.05am BST
10:05
Economist: UK likely to shrink this quarter
Jeremy Cook, chief economist at the international payments company, World First, fears that Britain’s economy will shrink in the current quarter, despite a better performance than expected in the last three months.
He says:
Preliminary GDP figures are always heavily caveated; less than 50% of the survey data is in and will likely over-represent the beginning of the quarter compared to the end.....
“Unfortunately we believe the overall UK economic picture is one of recession at the moment and while it is still too early to forecast we are looking for Q3 GDP to fall by anywhere 0.1-0.4%. Today’s data will limit calls that the UK was slowing into the vote however.”
Updated
at 10.21am BST
10.01am BST
10:01
A word of caution....
Today’s GDP report is mainly based on data from April and May, as it’s too early to have a full picture of the economy in June.
So if Britain did suffer a dose of Brexit angst last month, it won’t appear in today’s data - we’ll have to wait for the second estimate of GDP in August.
Simon French, chief economist of Panmure Gordon, flags up that April was a particularly strong month:
0.6% QoQ growth in Q2 UK GDP. April data across all sectors looks distorted due to March Easter holidays pic.twitter.com/1my3VoqSJz
9.56am BST
09:56
ONS: Little sign of Brexit fears
Britain’s carmakers and pharmaceutical firms helped to drive the economy forwards, according to Joe Grice, the Office for National Statistics’ top economist.
The ONS also found little sign that the EU referendum on June 23rd had hurt the economy during the last quarter.
Commenting on today’s Q2 GDP figures, ONS Chief Economist Joe Grice said: pic.twitter.com/74zR4EtvPR
9.51am BST
09:51
Despite the surge in industrial output last quarter, the sector is *still* smaller than before the financial crisis back in 2008.
Only the services sector (which makes up 70% of the economy) is larger:
Updated
at 9.54am BST
9.43am BST
09:43
Britain’s economy is now 7.7% higher than the pre-economic downturn peak, in the first quarter of 2008.
The 0.6% growth recorded in Q2 means the UK has been growing for the last 14 quarters:
9.39am BST
09:39
Britain’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, has welcomed the news that the UK growth rate has jumped to 0.6%.
He says:
“Today’s GDP figures show that the fundamentals of the British economy are strong. In the second quarter of this year our economy grew by 0.6 per cent – faster than was expected. Indeed we saw the strongest quarterly rise in production for nearly twenty years, so it is clear we enter our negotiations to leave the EU from a position of economic strength.
“Those negotiations will signal the beginning of a period of adjustment, but I am confident we have the tools to manage the challenges ahead, and along with the Bank of England, this government will take whatever action is necessary to support our economy and maintain business and consumer confidence.
9.37am BST
09:37
UK industrial output leaps, but services slow
Britain’s manufacturing sector has a very good quarter, according to today’s GDP report.
UK industrial output jumped by 2.1% during the April-June period, the strongest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 1999.
UK GDP +0.6% in Q2 vs expected +0.4%, driven by strongest industrial production growth since 1999. Annual GDP +2.2% vs expected 2.0%.
However, the service sector slowed to 0.5% growth, down from 0.6% in Q1.
And construction output shrank by 0.4%.