The UK GDP first estimate showed that the GDP figures came in at 0.5% q/q in the first quarter of 2019, up from 0.2% seen in the fourth quarter, while matching the consensus forecasts of +0.5%.
While on an annualized basis, the UK economy’s growth rate arrived at 1.8% in Q1, missing the expectations of 1.8% while decelerating from a 1.4% previous figure.
Separately, the UK GDP monthly release showed that the economy contracted in March, coming in at -0.1% versus 0.0% expected and 0.2% previous.
Meanwhile, Index of services (Mar) came in at -0.1% vs +0.1% m/m expected and Index of services (Mar) arrived at +0.3% vs +0.4% 3m/3m expected.