UK economy grows - cautious optimism

GrannyGravy13

This upturn is good, but, the next three month figures will show the impact of the increased employers NI and the increase in minimum wage.

I hope the economy is on the up, but I like the shadow chancellor will not be popping champagne corks anytime soon.

Yes, the same source as the one in the OP notes that analysts say it’s not expected to last.

Cumbrianmale56

Just a thought, if China finds it too expensive to export to America, might there be a huge increase in clothes, shoes, toys, laptops and watches in shops from China and lower prices.

There already is a massive amount of Chinese’s goods much of it fake branded stuff also the same shipped direct from China.

Yesterday I saw a fake football shirt for £9.99 from Aliexpress genuine cost £50.

China is laughing at us

Just a thought, if China finds it too expensive to export to America, might there be a huge increase in clothes, shoes, toys, laptops and watches in shops from China and lower prices.

Whitewavemark2

Good news is always welcome.

But caution

“One swallow” and all that.

I agree, but some positivity and optimism, coupled with a teaspoon of realism, is always good!

Indeed caution. It is clear from the reduction of staff numbers and customers in shops, pubs and restaurants that caution is being taken. I think their will be an upswing later - at least I hope there is once things settle a bit more.

Not rejoin the EU, but I welcome this weeks' talks with the EU as a way of moving trade and security forward

It's a trivial improvement. We must rejoin the EU to make growth happen. Global Britain is a mirage: I recall the Tories hailing a trade pact with the Faroe Islands as an achievement. Ha ha.

Good news is always welcome.

But caution

“One swallow” and all that.

Wyllow3

"The UK economy is "beginning to turn a corner", the chancellor has said, after it grew by more than expected in the first three months of the year.

Rachel Reeves told the BBC the 0.7% growth in the January-to-March period was "very encouraging"

The growth figure was stronger than the 0.6% that had been forecast, and was helped by increases in consumer spending and business investment.

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said it was "a bit premature to be popping the champagne corks". Of course, he is right, and I dont think anyone would argue otherwise.

But its worth recalling that some pundits were predicting a dire recession almost to the point of collapse because of April's rise in NI employers contributions.

Of course, tariffs lie ahead and uncertainty: but I was glad for all of us for this good news.

Its all over the news with if course differing commentaries depending on the political stand taken: here is an open access reference

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yxwre7d9ko

Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said it was "a bit premature to be popping the champagne corks". Of course, he is right, and I dont think anyone would argue otherwise.

Of course, he's duty-bound to be disparaging...

Party-politics are so tedious but that's the nature of our system. For those of us who simply want to see our country thrive regardless of who's in the driving seat, we can only wearily plod through the news, dig for facts and figures, try to ignore the polarisation and hope for the best.

Think the good weather is going to boost the economy too.
People buying clothes and getting out and about.

I think an understanding is that many employers have factored in those considerations in their planning, as the doom mongers specifically predicted businesses would shrink in anticipation, but that the real challenge is the unpredictable situation arising from tariffs.

But it's interesting reading the whole of the article, as it features people running businesses commenting on he figures and how they see the future. I don't think anyone sees a rise it the next quarter but to hold steady is whats looked for.

This upturn is good, but, the next three month figures will show the impact of the increased employers NI and the increase in minimum wage.

I hope the economy is on the up, but I like the shadow chancellor will not be popping champagne corks anytime soon.

Indeed- and we do need to brace ourselves for the next few months following Mr Trump's tariffgate, so let's feel a little spark of optimism whilst we can.

It cheered me up too. Nothing wrong with some cautious optimism when something is better than expected -we're quick enough to moan when it's worse.