UK Economy Grows 0.4% in July, Beating Forecasts

Britain’s economy grew 0.4% in July, exceeding forecasts for no change and accelerating from June’s 0.3% expansion. Services led the increase, with information technology and AI-related activity among the notable contributors, while construction and manufacturing also expanded. The stronger reading suggests resilience entering the third quarter and follows robust growth during the first half of the year, though some analysts caution that seasonal factors may have influenced the figures. Rising oil prices linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East are renewing inflation concerns and could complicate the Bank of England’s interest-rate decisions, despite the stronger growth data.