The Office for National Statistics reported that the United Kingdom’s gross domestic product grew by 0.3 per cent in November, a figure that exceeded the consensus forecast of 0.2 per cent for the month. The data indicates a modest yet meaningful recovery in the economy’s final quarter of 2023, suggesting a positive trajectory for the year’s fiscal outlook.
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The growth was attributed primarily to a rebound in car production, which increased by 4.7 per cent year‑over‑year during the same period. This upswing in domestic manufacturing output contributed significantly to the overall economic activity, reflecting a resurgence in consumer demand for vehicles and a stabilisation of supply chain disruptions that had affected the sector earlier in the year.
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Simultaneously, the services sector expanded by 0.5 per cent in November, the fastest growth in the sector since mid‑2022. Advances in hospitality, retail, and professional services lifted the composite services index, while improvements in tourism spending and digital services functionality provided additional momentum. Together, these elements underpin the reported 0.3 per cent rise, demonstrating a balanced contribution from both manufacturing and services to the UK’s economic performance.