The UK economy expanded by just 0.1% in Q3 2025, easing from 0.3% growth in Q2 and falling short of market expectations of 0.2%, according to preliminary estimates. Fixed investment rose 1.8% (vs 0.5% in Q2), supported by higher spending on ICT equipment, machinery, dwellings, and intellectual property products, even as business investment slipped 0.3%. Household consumption grew 0.2% (vs 0.1% in Q2), driven by higher spending on clothing, footwear, recreation, and culture, while government expenditure advanced 0.3% (vs 1.3%), reflecting modest gains in education and social care. Net trade made a positive contribution, as imports fell more sharply than exports, partly offsetting the large negative impact from a sharp drop in inventories compared with Q2. In output terms, services grew 0.2% and construction edged up 0.1%, while the production sector contracted by 0.5%. On an annual basis, GDP increased 1.3%, slightly below forecasts of 1.4%.
