Economic Indicators, December 2010

This Research Paper series summarises the main economic indicators currently available for the UK, along with comparisons with other major OECD countries. Quarterly GDP growth of 0.8% in Q3 was confirmed, with broad gains across all sectors of the economy. Consumer spending in Q3 increased by only 0.3%, compared with a 0.7% rise in Q2, while government expenditure increased by 0.4% compared with a 1.0% rise in Q2. Exports rose by 2.2% in Q3; with imports increasing by only 0.7%, net trade provided a large positive contribution to overall GDP growth, raising hopes that the economy is starting to rebalance.
[Articles:’Quantitative Easing – how does it work?’ and ‘Businesses and recession’]