Here are some of the top headlines in the UK today:
Do today’s GDP figures really show improvement in the UK economy? - Today’s release of figures on the UK economy figures feels like a big deal, with people proclaiming the end of recession1.
How to watch London Marathon 2024: TV channel and live stream for today’s race - Today’s race is being shown live and free-to-air in the UK from 8:30am BST on BBC One, switching over to BBC Two for a final hour of coverage at 2pm2.
2 dividend shares I wouldn’t touch with a bargepole in today’s stock market - The stock market is full of fantastic dividend shares that can deliver rising passive income over time. But I don’t think these two will3.
Please note that these headlines are current as of the time of this conversation and may change as the day progresses. For the most up-to-date news, please check the respective news sources.
Sure, here’s some more information about the recent UK economy figures:
- The UK economy has shown signs of improvement with growth for the second consecutive month1. The economy grew by 0.1% in February, following growth of 0.3% in January, according to the Office for National Statistics1.
- The latest figures from the ONS indicated that the UK’s economy has grown by 1.8% since the pandemic started, whereas the previous estimate was a 0.2% contraction2. They also showed that the economy grew by 0.3% in the first three months of this year, up from the 0.1% previously estimated2.
- Despite these positive signs, retail sales were flat in March, which might indicate that the strength of the consumer could be fading after a strong start to 20243.
These figures have led some to proclaim the end of the recession4. However, it’s important to note that economic data can fluctuate and it’s too early to definitively say whether the UK is out of recession. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to official sources or financial news outlets.