UK Economy Grows 0.1% in August, Trade Deficit Narrows

The UK economy expanded by 0.1% in August from July, contrary to expectations of a 0.1% contraction. This growth was primarily driven by an 0.8% increase in production, while services remained flat and construction declined by 0.2%. Additionally, the trade deficit narrowed to £920 million from £2.32 billion in July. Consumer retail sales also showed a slowdown, rising 1.3% annually in September, down from 2.3% a year earlier.