Weak first six months of 2017 as UK economy grows 0.3%

The UK economy grew by 0.3% in the three months to June - up from 0.2% in the previous quarter, official figures show.

Sky (Frankfurt: 893517 - news) 's Economics Editor Ed Conway said: "It is inline with what was expected, but it is pretty weak.

"Normally you would be hoping for growth of about 0.7% to keep the UK growing in line with its long run potential.

"So 0.3% will be seen as something of a disappointment for many people - and coming after relatively weak growth in the first quarter as well.

"By my reckoning this is the weakest first half of the year that we have seen for the economy since 2012 - so in five years."

The Office for National Statistics said the slight improved performance in the three months to June was underpinned by the dominant services sector - which represents more than three quarters of output.

Output increased by 0.5% during the period, up from 0.2% for the previous quarter.

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