“This disappointingly modest return to growth for the UK economy is unlikely to ease stagflation concerns, with a recovery in service sector output helping drive only a slight strengthening in overall activity.
“November’s uptick is unlikely to have sparked a more notable improvement in economic activity across the fourth quarter with the dramatic damage to confidence from the budget and global uncertainty expected to have suppressed activity in December.
“Beyond the political noise, a key lesson from this financial market turbulence is the need to address our longstanding challenges of poor productivity and persistent supply side constraints, to help better insulate us against these external shocks.
“Though these disappointing figures make a February interest rate cut more probable, concerns over financial market fragility and heightened global inflation risks mean a policy loosening next month is not quite done and dusted.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Contact ICAEW media office:
About ICAEW
Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 208,000 members and students around the world.
Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor around 12,000 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.
We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet’s resources are managed sustainably.
ICAEW is the first major professional body to be carbon neutral, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.
ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects more than 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.
We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.