The pound and U.K. government bond yields have experienced a decline after recent data revealed that the country’s economy contracted more than expected during the summer months. The Office for National Statistics reported a decline in U.K. GDP of 0.5% between June and July, surpassing the analysts’ prediction of a 0.2% decrease.
According to Darren Morgan, the ONS’s director of economic statistics, the decline in July can be attributed to a combination of strike action by healthcare workers and teachers, as well as adverse weather conditions impacting the construction and retail sectors.
Danni Hewson, AJ Bell’s head of financial analysis, expressed her views on the matter, stating that the exceptionally poor weather experienced in July disrupted many summer plans, leading to canceled BBQs, indoor weddings, and postponed shopping trips. Given these circumstances, it is not surprising that the economy contracted, as the unseasonable rainfall acted as a dampener on economic activity.
This contraction poses challenges for the Bank of England as it contemplates whether to increase interest rates once again in the upcoming week. This decision comes hot on the heels of Tuesday’s announcement that wage growth remains at a record high of 7.8%.
Nicholas Hyett, an investment analyst at Wealth Club, commented on the current situation, describing the U.K.’s economy as unpredictable and turbulent. He mentioned how businesses and central bankers alike are struggling to adapt to the volatile growth patterns and fluctuating interest rate expectations. The lack of stability and certainty leads to cautious business behavior and a focus on preserving cash, which can be detrimental to future economic growth and investment prospects.
Overall, the combination of adverse weather conditions and strike action has had a significant impact on the performance of the U.K. economy during the summer months. With the uncertainty surrounding interest rate decisions and economic growth, businesses are facing challenges in their planning and investment strategies.
Pound Falls to Three-Month Low
The pound (GBPUSD, -0.13%) experienced a swift decline, reaching a three-month low around $1.2440. However, it managed to recover slightly and was trading down 0.2% at $1.2470. Meanwhile, the yield on the 10-year U.K. government bond (BX:TMUBMUSD10Y) decreased by 1 basis point to a two-week low of 4.40%.
FTSE 100 Retreats as Housebuilder Shares Rise
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BP CEO Resigns, Shares Dip
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Inditex Stocks Decline Despite Strong Sales
Inditex (ITX, -3.21%), the Madrid-listed fashion group and owner of the Zara brand, saw its shares fall by nearly 4%. Although the company reported first-half sales that exceeded market expectations, it warned of a slowdown in growth during the summer.
German Stocks Fall Amid EU Investigation
Despite most carmaker stocks performing well, Germany’s DAX (DX:DAX) fell by 0.8% following the news that the European Union is launching an investigation into subsidies provided by China to electric vehicle makers.
