UK Economy Grows 0.5% in February, Revised January Growth to 0.1%

The UK economy grew by 0.5% in February, the largest monthly increase in over two years, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure was higher than the expected 0.1% growth, following a revision of January's estimate from no growth to 0.1%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its growth prediction for the UK in 2023 down to 0.8% from 1.3%, citing the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran and its impact on energy prices. The services sector, accounting for over 75% of the economy, also grew by 0.5%, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise.