UK Q4 Prelim GDP arrives at 0.2% q/q, bang on expectations

The UK GDP first estimate showed that the GDP figures came in at 0.2% q/q in the fourth quarter of 2018, down from 0.6% seen in the third quarter, while matching the consensus forecasts.

While on an annualized basis, the UK economy’s growth rate arrived at 1.3% in Q4, missing the expectations of 1.4% while decelerating from a 1.5% previous figure.

Separately, the UK GDP monthly release showed that the economy contracted in December, coming in at -0.4% versus 0.0% expected growth and 0.2% previous.