GDP international comparisons: Economic indicators

Daniel Harari

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GDP international comparisons: Economic indicators (140KB PDF)

Download ‘GDP international comparisons: Economic indicators’ report (140KB , PDF)

Economic indicators are quick-read summaries of the latest data focusing on different aspects of the UK economy. The full suite of indicators can be found on the main Economic Indicators page.

Latest GDP data

In Q2 2026, UK GDP grew by 0.5% compared with the previous quarter (Q1 2026). US GDP growth was 0.6%, while in Germany GDP rose by 0.3% and in France GDP was unchanged. Eurozone GDP was up by 0.6%, partly due to strong GDP growth in Ireland (GDP growth in Ireland is erratic due to large foreign companies being based there).

Table showing latest GDP data for the major G7 economies, as described in the article text

Source: OECD data explorer, Quarterly real GDP growth of G7

GDP growth in recent years

UK GDP in Q2 2026 was 6.2% above its pre-pandemic level of Q4 2019. This compares with Eurozone GDP being 7.6% higher, with GDP in Germany up by 1.9% (the lowest in the G7). The US has the highest GDP growth among G7 economies since just before the pandemic, totalling 16.3% from Q4 2019 to Q2 2026.

Chart showing G7 GDP growth since the pandemic, as described in the article text

Source: Calculations based on OECD data explorer, Quarterly GDP level of G7 and Eurozone

IMF and OECD forecasts

On 13 October 2026, the IMF published new forecasts for the world economy. The IMF said global economic growth “has proven resilient once again”, in spite of “geopolitcal disruptions”. The IMF also warned governments about high debt levels amid rising government borrowing costs. The IMF forecast UK GDP growth of 1.3% in 2026 and 1.2% in 2027.

IMF forecasts for GDP growth in 2026 for G7 countries. The UK's forecast of 1.3% growth is equal second highest among the G7 (along with Germany), similar to the Eurozone average of 1.1% but lower than the US (2.3%)

Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook, Oct 2026

On 23 September 2026, the OECD published new forecasts for the world economy. The OECD said that global economic growth had been more resilient that it had expected in its previous forecast in June. The OECD warned that “stronger efforts are needed to ensure the sustainability of public finances”. The OECD forecast UK GDP growth of 1.1% in 2026 and 1.0% in 2027.

OECD G7 GDP growth forecasts for 2026 - the US is highest at 2.2%, France lowest at 0.4%. The UK is equal second highest with Germany at 1.1%.