Economy

The UK economy virtually stalled in the third quarter, expanding by just 0.1% between July and September, marking a significant slowdown from the 0.3% growth seen in the previous quarter. The figures were dragged down by a 0.1% fall in GDP in September, driven by a crippling cyber-attack on Jaguar L

The Scottish Government has revealed plans to sell approximately £1.5 billion of its own bonds, nicknamed "kilts", starting in the 2026-27 financial year. The announcement by First Minister John Swinney follows rating agencies Moody's and S&P assigning Scotland an investment-grade credit r

A new report on Scotland’s International Strategy highlights that Scottish Government efforts to promote the nation abroad have been integral to securing record export sales, inward investment, and tourism growth. The annual report, launched by External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson, detai

Scotland’s labour market is facing “growing pressures” amid a complex economic backdrop, according to the latest figures. While data shows a challenging picture for employment, cooling wage growth across the UK has fuelled speculation of a pre-Christmas interest rate cut from the B

Interest rates will be held at 4% following a narrow decision by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee as the Budget approaches. The nine-member committee was split 5-4 in this morning's vote, with four members supporting a reduction to 3.75%.

Scotland's onshore GDP grew by 0.7% in the three months to August 2025, up from the growth of 0.6% in the three months to July 2025. However, monthly GDP is estimated to have contracted by 0.1% in August 2025. This follows contraction of 0.3% in July and growth of 0.7% in June.

The UK's inflation rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in September, holding at the same level for the third consecutive month, according to official figures. The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) defied economists' forecasts, which had predicted the rate would climb to 4%.

Scotland’s private sector presented a mixed economic picture in September, with a surprising surge in hiring set against a backdrop of falling business activity and declining new orders. Businesses took on additional staff for the first time in four months and expectations for the coming year

The Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, has warned that Brexit will have a negative impact on the UK economy for the "foreseeable future". Speaking in Washington DC, Mr Bailey stated that while he took no political position on the UK's departure from the EU, the resulting trade restricti

The UK economy returned to modest growth in August, expanding by 0.1% and offering a sliver of positive news for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of next month’s crucial Autumn Budget. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the rebound was primarily driven by a 0.7% expansion in

The UK is set to have the second-fastest growing economy among the G7 nations next year, but will be hampered by the highest inflation, according to a mixed forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In an upbeat assessment for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the IMF projects modest UK growth of

Scotland's labour market is showing signs of increasing pressure, with new official figures revealing a fall in the employment rate alongside rises in both unemployment and economic inactivity. According to data for June to August 2025, Scotland's employment rate for people aged 16-64 fell by 0.6 pe

The International Monetary Fund and the Bank of England have become the latest major financial institutions to warn that the global stock market is at risk of a significant correction should investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence cool. Speaking ahead of the IMF's annual meetings, chief Kris

Scottish businesses have become markedly more pessimistic about the economic outlook, according to research from the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute. At the same time, the Institute warns that ongoing problems with the reliability of labour market statistics are obscur

The UK construction sector saw a slight uptick in activity in September, but it remains firmly in contractionary territory.