GDP growth (quarterly) · United Kingdom
United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel
The United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel measures how much the economy of the United Kingdom, the total value of goods and services it produces after inflation, grew compared with the previous quarter.
- Importance
- High
- Released
- Quarterly
- Next release
- Currency
- GBP · pound sterling
- Central bank
- The Bank of England
Latest figures
The latest release for Q2, published on 13 August 2026, came in at 0.4%, in line with the consensus of 0.4%, down from 0.6% the time before.
A result in line with the consensus usually causes little reaction: it was already priced in.
Over the last 7 releases it ranged from 0.1% to 0.7%, averaging 0.3%.
| Released | For | Actual | Consensus | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Aug 2026 | Q2 | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| 14 May 2026 | Q1 | 0.6% | 0.6% | 0.2% ® |
| 12 Feb 2026 | Q4 | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| 13 Nov 2025 | Q3 | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% |
| 14 Aug 2025 | Q2 | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.7% |
| 15 May 2025 | Q1 | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.1% |
| 13 Feb 2025 | Q4 | 0.1% | -0.1% | 0% |
Why it matters
GDP is the broadest measure of economic health. Two quarters of contraction are the common rule of thumb for a recession. Stronger growth supports corporate earnings, jobs and the pound sterling, and can push the Bank of England towards higher rates; a contraction raises the odds of cuts.
How it is calculated
the Office for National Statistics (ONS) adds up spending in the economy: consumption + investment + government spending + exports − imports, measured at constant prices (real GDP) and adjusted for seasonal patterns. The first (advance or flash) estimate is revised as more data arrive. The US annualises the quarterly change.
GDP = C + I + G + (X − M)
Growth (qoq) = real GDP ÷ real GDP last quarter − 1
Annualised = (1 + qoq)⁴ − 1What changes mean
- Compare with the consensus and with the previous quarter; the first estimate gets the biggest reaction.
- Look at the mix: growth from consumption and investment is healthier than growth from inventories.
- An annualised US figure of 2% is close to its long-run trend; 0.5% quarter on quarter is similar in European terms.
Higher than expected: A stronger figure than expected points to a healthier economy: it usually supports the pound sterling and local stocks, and can push bond yields up.
Lower than expected: A weaker figure than expected points to slowing activity: the pound sterling tends to soften and markets price in lower rates.
A short history
Simon Kuznets built the first national income accounts for the US Congress in 1934. GDP replaced GNP as the US headline measure in 1991; international standards are set in the UN System of National Accounts.
Questions
What is the United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel?
The United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel measures how much the economy of the United Kingdom, the total value of goods and services it produces after inflation, grew compared with the previous quarter.
What was the latest United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel?
0.4% for Q2, published on 13 August 2026 (consensus 0.4%, previous 0.6%).
When is the next United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate QoQ Prel?
On Thursday 12 November 2026 at 07:00 UTC.
What is the difference between quarterly and annual GDP growth?
Quarterly growth compares with the previous quarter (the latest momentum); annual growth compares with the same quarter a year earlier.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.