In our Economic Review of October – there were signs of renewed momentum for the UK economy, with modest GDP growth, steady inflation and improving business confidence. Global markets responded positively to strong corporate earnings and easing trade tensions, while attention now turns to the upcoming Autumn Budget.
Key takeaways
Global equities rose as US tech earnings impressed and a US-China trade truce boosted market optimism
UK GDP edged up 0.1% in August, supported by stronger manufacturing output and improving private sector confidence
Inflation held steady at 3.8%, fuelling expectations of another potential interest rate cut by year-end