GDP growth (annual) · United Kingdom
United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel
The United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel measures how much the economy of the United Kingdom grew compared with the same period a year earlier.
- 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 1.2%, above the consensus of 1.1%, up from 0.9% the time before.
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.
Over the last 7 releases it ranged from 1.0% to 1.4%, averaging 1.2%; it has been rising for three releases in a row.
| Released | For | Actual | Consensus | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Aug 2026 | Q2 | 1.2% | 1.1% | 0.9% |
| 14 May 2026 | Q1 | 1.1% | 0.8% | 1% |
| 12 Feb 2026 | Q4 | 1% | 1.2% | 1.2% ® |
| 13 Nov 2025 | Q3 | 1.3% | 1.4% | 1.4% |
| 14 Aug 2025 | Q2 | 1.2% | 1% | 1.3% |
| 15 May 2025 | Q1 | 1.3% | 1.2% | 1.5% |
| 13 Feb 2025 | Q4 | 1.4% | 1.1% | 1% ® |
Why it matters
The yearly rate is less noisy than the quarterly change and is the figure most people mean by "economic growth". It shapes the earnings outlook for local companies, tax revenue, and the Bank of England's view of how much spare capacity the economy has.
How it is calculated
the Office for National Statistics (ONS) compares real GDP (after inflation) with the same quarter or year before; full-year figures sum the four quarters.
Growth (yoy) = real GDP ÷ real GDP a year ago − 1What changes mean
- Growth above the country's trend (about 1–2% for advanced economies, more for emerging ones) tends to raise inflation pressure.
- Annual growth turns only slowly; the quarterly figure shows turning points earlier.
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
Annual national accounts spread after the Second World War under the UN System of National Accounts (first edition 1953).
Questions
What is the United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel?
The United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel measures how much the economy of the United Kingdom grew compared with the same period a year earlier.
What was the latest United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel?
1.2% for Q2, published on 13 August 2026 (consensus 1.1%, previous 0.9%).
When is the next United Kingdom GDP Growth Rate YoY Prel?
On Thursday 12 November 2026 at 07:00 UTC.
Educational content only, not investment advice. Figures are the published results as recorded by our calendar; market reactions described are typical, not guaranteed.