Summary

• Ever since 2022, the UK economy has grown much faster in the first quarter than in the rest of the year.
• And 2026 looks like it'll be no different.
• GDP rose by 0.6%, up from 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

By James Smith, Developed Markets Economist, UK

We just aren't convinced by the UK's first quarter growth performance. GDP rose by 0.6%, up from 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

It follows a now-familiar