UK GDP growth slows to 0.4% in second quarter

The UK economy grew by 0.4 percent in the second quarter of 2026, official data revealed on August 13, marking a slowdown from the strong start to the year as the effects of the Iran war began to weigh on activity. The expansion from April to June was down from 0.6 percent in the first quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics, but it was accompanied by a surprise 0.3 percent growth in June alone, which topped analysts' expectations.

The services sector was the primary driver of the quarterly growth, expanding by 0.5 percent. Within services, computer programming, advertising, and scientific research and development showed particularly strong performance. Production remained flat across the quarter, while construction grew by 0.3 percent. The ONS noted that some businesses reported good weather and sporting events, likely including the World Cup, may have provided a positive boost to spending in June.

ONS Director of Economic Statistics Liz McKeown said growth slowed in the second quarter but remained relatively robust. She highlighted that services were once again the main driver, while production was broadly unchanged. Within services, computer programming and...