UK

United Kingdom retail sales defied expectations in December with a 0.4% rise, signaling consumer resilience and narrowing downside GDP risks.

The UK economy began 2026 with a robust activity rebound as services pushed the Composite PMI to 53.9, though persistent wage-led inflation remains a key hurdle for the Bank of England.

The UK's January flash PMI jumped to 53.9, marking a 21-month high as services lead the charge, potentially delaying Bank of England rate cuts.

UK consumer sentiment reached year-highs in January, signaling a stabilizing growth floor while keeping the Bank of England's policy path conditional on services inflation.

UK retail sales volumes surprised with a 0.4% monthly increase in December, signaling a firmer consumer floor and complicating the Bank of England's 2026 easing path.

The UK economy kicked off 2026 with a robust expansion as the Flash Composite PMI surged to 53.9, shifting the Bank of England's focus toward inflation-gated policy.

The UK economy regained its footing in November with a 0.3% GDP expansion, driven by a surge in manufacturing and automotive production.