UK GDP contracted by -0.1% m/m in April, matching expectations. The setback followed solid gains of 0.4% in February and 0.3% in March, suggesting the economy lost some momentum at the start of the second quarter.
The monthly GDP decline was driven primarily by a -0.2% fall in services output, while construction provided a modest offset with growth of 0.1%. Production output was unchanged on the month.
Despite the softer monthly reading, the broader growth picture remained relatively encouraging. In the three months to April, GDP expanded by 0.7% compared with the previous three-month period, accelerating from 0.6% in the three months to March and 0.5% in the three months to February.
Services remained the main engine of growth, rising 0.8% over the three-month period. Construction was another bright spot, expanding by 1.6% and extending its recovery after a prolonged downturn that lasted through much of late 2025 and early 2026. Production output, however, contracted by -0.1% over the same period.
Three-Month Growth (vs Previous Three Months):
| Indicator | 3M to Apr 2026 | 3M to Mar 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Services | 0.8% | 0.8% |
| Production | -0.1% | 0.2% |
| Construction | 1.6% | 0.4% |
