LONDON – Britain’s economy rebounded 4.8% in the second quarter as the government began relaxing lockdown restrictions, official data showed today.
Gross domestic product had fallen 1.6% in the first three months of the year, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) added in a statement.
“Today’s figures show that our economy is on the mend showing strong signs of recovery,” Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said in a separate statement.
Total UK output however remains 4.4% lower as compared with before the Covid-19 pandemic, or final quarter of 2019.
The ONS, providing also its latest monthly data, said the UK economy grew 1% in June before England lifted nearly all lockdown restrictions in July.
Markets are looking closely at both growth and inflation data as nations emerge from lockdowns following vaccine roll-outs.
Analysts warn that strong price rises could force central banks to hike interest rates sooner than expected, hindering the recovery.
Pressure eased yesterday, however, after official data showed US inflation had cooled slightly. – AFP, August 12, 2021
