AI helped UK defy expectations – but will economy’s resilience fizzle out?

The UK economy has surprised analysts by expanding 0.7% in the third quarter, the fastest growth in two and a half years, and is now on track to become the second‑fastest growing G7 economy this year. Despite concerns about a tech slowdown and rising energy bills, the economy has continued to defy expectations since Chancellor John Healey took office in July. The growth comes amid global headwinds, rising inflation, and a war in the Middle East that analysts warned would erode Britain’s resilience. The forecast suggests that the economy is still on a positive trajectory despite these challenges.

Despite John Healey’s defiance, the economy faces threats from a tech slowdown and energy bills this winterAI helps UK economy grow at fastest pace for more than two yearsThe forecasters were clear when John Healey became chancellor in July: Britain’s resilience to the war in the Middle East would not last. The global economic headwinds were too strong, inflation was beginning to rise and growth would slow to a trickle.Four months into the job, the economy is continuing to defy expectations after growing by 0.7% in the third quarter – the fastest expansion in two and a half years. It puts the UK on course to be the second-fastest growing G7 economy this year. Continue reading...