Markets.com Logo
euEnglish
LoginSign Up

Cable drops as UK economy contracts

Aug 9, 2019
3 min read
Table of Contents

    The UK economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of the year, its worst performance since 2012.

    Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the surprise contraction, which was significantly lower than the flatline economists expected. It also follows strong growth of 1.8% seen in Q1.

    “PMI data had indicated we were set for a contraction, albeit not so severe,” explained Neil Wilson, Chief Markets Analyst at MARKETS.COM.

    Much of the growth in the first quarter was attributed to panic buying and stockpiling before the original March Brexit deadline. Indeed, Head of GDP Rob Kent-Smith, also blamed the 2.3% drop in Manufacturing output in the Brexit delay. The initial strong start to the year included production brought forward ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU.

    The services sector was the only positive contributor to GDP growth in the quarter to June 2019 – but only just at 0.1%. This marks the weakest quarterly growth in this sector since Q2 2016.

    Output from the production and construction sectors also contracted at -1.4% and -1.3% respectively.

    Cable dropped sharply on the news, before recovering slightly. Having fallen below 1.2090, GBPUSD was last recovering above 1.21 but remains under pressure and a good 30 pips away from its highs of the day. Having breached yesterday’s lows we may see further testing of the downside.

    “Clearly the unwind of stockpiling carried out in Q1 ahead of the aborted March 31st Brexit deadline has had an impact. Also, we can point to plenty of data around the world that shows we are in the middle of a broad global slowdown,” Wilson said.

    “But you do have to admit that the pervasive uncertainty around Brexit is acting as a brake on the economy.”

    Rolling three-month growth was negative 0.2% in the three months to June 2019, the first time since Q4 2012. This continued a steady decline in three-month growth since the start of the year.

    So, was there anything positive in the latest GDP figures?

    “Well, a lot of the decline seems to be down to the fall in car making as companies brought forward usual summer shutdowns of factories. The sharp fall in manufacturing output was led by a 5.2% decline transport equipment, which the ONS says largely reflected the partial closures of various car manufacturing plants. This may be partially recovered in the second half, while we may see further stockpiling ahead of the October 31st deadline that leads to a boost to Q3 numbers,” said Wilson.

    However, he added, “but on the whole the figures make for worrying reading”.


    Risk Warning: this article represents only the author’s views and is for reference only. It does not constitute investment advice or financial guidance, nor does it represent the stance of the Markets.com platform.When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange) and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss.Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice. Trading cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets is restricted for all UK retail clients. 

    Written by
    SHARE

    Markets

    • Palladium - Cash

      chartpng

      --

      -3.20%
    • EUR/USD

      chartpng

      --

      -0.01%
    • Cotton

      chartpng

      --

      0.75%
    • AUD/USD

      chartpng

      --

      -0.02%
    • Santander

      chartpng

      --

      2.98%
    • Apple.svg

      Apple

      chartpng

      --

      0.30%
    • easyJet

      chartpng

      --

      0.38%
    • VIXX

      chartpng

      --

      0.28%
    • Silver

      chartpng

      --

      -0.61%
    Table of Contents

      Related Articles

      Senator Scott Demands Answers on Federal Reserve's Contentious Renovation Project

      Senator Tim Scott is pressing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for more details on the central bank's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, raising questions about transparency and oversight.

      Sophia Claire|about 7 hours ago

      Obama Admin Allegations of Falsifying Intel on Trump-Russia Interference

      New documents reveal allegations of the Obama administration falsifying intelligence to link Trump to Russia. Tulsi Gabbard presents evidence to the DOJ, while Obama denies the claims.

      Liam James|about 8 hours ago

      Dubai Gold Market Surges: Solidifying its Position as a Key Global Asset

      Dubai's gold market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by increased demand for Shariah-compliant spot gold. This growth solidifies Dubai's position as a global gold trading hub.

      Liam James|about 9 hours ago
      Markets.com Logo
      google playapp storeweb tradertradingView

      Contact Us

      support@markets.com+12845680155

      Markets

      • Forex
      • Shares
      • Commodities
      • Indices
      • Crypto
      • ETFs
      • Bonds

      Trading

      • Trading Tools
      • Platform
      • Web Platform
      • App
      • TradingView
      • MT4
      • MT5
      • CFD Trading
      • CFD Asset List
      • Trading Info
      • Trading Conditions
      • Trading Hours
      • Trading Calculators
      • Economic Calendar

      Learn

      • News
      • Trading Basics
      • Glossary
      • Webinars
      • Traders' Clinic
      • Education Centre

      About

      • Why markets.com
      • Global Offering
      • Our Group
      • Careers
      • FAQs
      • Legal Pack
      • Safety Online
      • Complaints
      • Contact Support
      • Help Centre
      • Sitemap
      • Cookie Disclosure
      • Awards and Media

      Promo

      • Gold Festival
      • Crypto Trading
      • marketsClub
      • Welcome Bonus
      • Loyal Bonus
      • Referral Bonus

      Partnership

      • Affiliation
      • IB

      Follow us on

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Twitter
      • Youtube
      • Linkedin
      • Threads
      • Tiktok

      Listed on

      • 2023 Best Trading Platform Middle East - International Business Magazine
      • 2023 Best Trading Conditions Broker - Forexing.com
      • 2023 Most Trusted Forex Broker - Forexing.com
      • 2023 Most Transparent Broker - AllForexBonus.com
      • 2024 Best Broker for Beginners, United Kingdom - Global Brands Magazine
      • 2024 Best MT4 & MT5 Trading Platform Europe - Brands Review Magazine
      • 2024 Top Research and Education Resources Asia - Global Business and Finance Magazine
      • 2024 Leading CFD Broker Africa - Brands Review Magazine
      • 2024 Best Broker For Beginners LATAM - Global Business and Finance Magazine
      • 2024 Best Mobile Trading App MENA - Brands Review Magazine
      • 2024 Best Outstanding Value Brokerage MENA - Global Business and Finance Magazine
      • 2024 Best Broker for Customer Service MENA - Global Business and Finance Magazine
      LegalLegal PackCookie DisclosureSafety Online

      Payment
      Methods

      mastercardvisanetellerskrillwire transferzotapay
      The markets.com/za/ site is operated by Markets South Africa (Pty) Ltd which is a regulated by the FSCA under license no. 46860 and licensed to operate as an Over The Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP) in terms of the Financial Markets Act no.19 of 2012. Markets South Africa (Pty) Ltd is located at BOUNDARY PLACE 18 RIVONIA ROAD, ILLOVO SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG, 2196, South Africa. 

      High Risk Investment Warning: Trading Foreign Exchange (Forex) and Contracts For Difference (CFDs) is highly speculative, carries a high level of risk and is not appropriate for every investor. You may sustain a loss of some or all of your invested capital, therefore, you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. Please read the full  Risk Disclosure Statement which gives you a more detailed explanation of the risks involved.

      For privacy and data protection related complaints please contact us at privacy@markets.com. Please read our PRIVACY POLICY STATEMENT for more information on handling of personal data.

      Markets.com operates through the following subsidiaries:

      Safecap Investments Limited, which is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (“CySEC”) under license no. 092/08. Safecap is incorporated in the Republic of Cyprus under company number ΗΕ186196.

      Markets International Limited is registered  in the Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (“SVG”) under the revised Laws of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines 2009, with registration number  27030 BC 2023.

      Close
      Close

      set cookie

      set cookie

      We use cookies to do things like offer live chat support and show you content we think you’ll be interested in. If you’re happy with the use of cookies by markets.com, click accept.