UK economy grows 0.5% in October, but storm clouds gather

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the UK’s economy grew 0.5% in October, returning to growth after a 0.6% fall in September. Despite these positive figures, many analysts still believe the UK is heading for a recession as September’s figures were affected by the extra bank holiday following the Queen’s funeral.

“October’s rebound is a false dawn for the economy as it mostly reflects the favourable comparison with September when activity was suppressed by the Bank Holiday for the Queen’s funeral,” said Suren Thiru, economics director at the Institute for Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.

“The positive start to the fourth quarter may not prevent recession with the growing squeeze on incomes likely to drive falls in GDP in November and December, despite a possible boost to consumer activity from the World Cup,” said Thiru.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up

GDP fell 0.3% in the three months to October compared to the previous quarter.

Why did the UK economy grow?

The services sector mainly drove the 0.5% growth in gross domestic product (GDP). It grew by 0.6% in October following a fall of 0.8% the previous month.

While production remained flat, construction grew by 0.8%. That’s the sector’s fourth consecutive increase following growth of 0.4% in September, 0.6% in August and 0.2% in July.

Despite the seemingly positive figures, the Bank of England warned last month that the UK was probably already in a recession, adding that the country faced its biggest economic slowdown in decades.

The bank has been raising interest rates as it attempts to bring inflation under control. However, this has slowed down economic activity and harmed growth.

It’s also expected the Bank will raise rates again when it meets on Thursday. Currently, the base rate sits at 3%, its highest level since 2008. It’s speculated that the bank will increase it by 0.75%.

“The determined pursuit of sharply lower inflation in the UK is chasing away growth, with the economy set to run smack into recession,” said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst, at Hargreaves Lansdown.

“The monthly rise of gross domestic product of 0.5% in October is likely to have been more of a temporary upswing rather than the start of a more positive chapter for the economy,” she continued.

What does this mean for you?

Most experts seem to agree that last month’s growth is more to do with the rebound from September’s temporary slump than anything else.

“Today’s number does little to change the grim outlook for the UK economy. Markets still expect a recession early next year. Demand is set to be weak, as high energy prices persist and winter has really just begun,” said George Lagarias, Chief Economist at Mazars.

“Meanwhile, the jobs market is projected to remain tight for months, and thus inflation persistent, until new workers have been trained appropriately to reduce the mismatch between the skills required and those available,” says Lagarias.

“Despite October’s growth, it would take a significant turnaround in policymaking and/or global conditions to change the downward British economic trajectory.”

There’s also the threat of further interest rate hikes. Rising interest rates will not only slow down the economy but will also mean higher borrowing costs, affecting those with mortgages and businesses which want to expand.

While mortgage rates have come off the highs seen after the disastrous mini-budget, they still remain high by the standards of the past five years at 5.99% for the average two-year fix and 5.74% for the average five-year fix.

These higher rates are already having a chilling effect on the property market.

Rightmove’s latest house price index showed a 2.1% decrease in average asking prices, while last week Halifax’s house price index revealed prices had fallen by 2.3% in November, their biggest drop since 2008.

Still, rising rates mean good news for savers. Banks are offering better rates on savings accounts, making now a good time to take advantage of the best deals on the market.