The UK economy expanded by a modest 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to recent data. This growth rate matched the previous quarter's performance but fell short of analysts' expectations for a 0.2% rise. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the services sector stalled, and the construction sector experienced a decline. However, these weaknesses were partially offset by a positive contribution from the manufacturing sector. The weaker-than-expected GDP figures suggest a softer economic outlook for the UK. This could prompt the Bank of England to adopt a more dovish monetary policy stance, potentially exerting downward pressure on the British Pound (GBP) and UK equities like the FTSE 100.
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