Britain’s economy grew 0.5% in the second quarter, faster than the initial 0.4% estimate, with stronger household finances and business investment supporting growth.
The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product expanded 0.5% between April and June, beating the 0.4% increase expected by economists polled by Reuters.
Britain recorded the fastest economic growth among the Group of Seven major advanced economies in the first half of 2026.
Real household disposable income per head rose 1% during the quarter, the strongest increase since the end of 2024, reversing a 0.8% decline in the first quarter.
Business investment was also revised sharply higher, with growth reaching an annual rate of 5.2% compared with the previous estimate of 0.8%.
Separate balance of payments data showed Britain’s current account deficit narrowed to £19.9 billion in the second quarter, below the £24.7 billion expected by economists.
Excluding precious metals, the deficit fell to 1.4% of economic output, its smallest share in five years, helped by stronger services exports.
Reuters
