Economy

Scotland's GDP fell by 0.3% in August, following growth of 0.5% in July (revised from 0.3%). This represents a concerning slowdown in the Scottish economy, particularly as the UK as a whole saw growth of 0.2% in August.

Scottish business confidence dipped to 44% in October, a four-point drop from September, according to the Bank of Scotland. The bank's latest Business Barometer shows that this mirrors a UK-wide trend, with confidence falling three points to 44%.

UK inflation fell to 1.7% in September, dropping below the Bank of England's 2% target for the first time since April 2021. This was driven by lower fuel prices and base effects from an unusually strong September 2023. However, economists expect inflation to rebound in October as energy prices rise

A new analysis from the Scottish Retail Consortium has suggested shops in Scotland could see a £13 million hike in their business rates bills from April. The latest ONS Consumer Price Index reveals that inflation stood at 1.7% last month. September’s inflation rate is what UK Ministers t

Scotland's job market remains strong despite the ongoing cost of living crisis and predictions of upcoming employment law reforms. The employment rate rose to 73.7% while unemployment fell to 3.9% between June and August 2024. However, Scotland still lags behind the UK's overall employment rate of 7

The UK economy grew by 0.2% in August, following two months of stagnation. This growth was seen across all major sectors, with a particularly strong rebound in manufacturing, construction, and professional services. While monthly figures can fluctuate, this rise, coupled with positive business surve

As the UK's Labour government celebrates 100 days in office, ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has urged the new government to stick to its priorities of putting economic growth at the heart of its agenda for the country. The accounting body also asks for more clarity on its

Scotland has recorded its ninth consecutive month of growth, with data, from the latest Royal Bank Regional Growth Tracker, showing that the country has continued on a positive growth trajectory in 2024, but at a slower rate in the four weeks to September. Headline Business Activity Index fell to 51

Following a positive start to 2024, economic growth in the summer months has been more hesitant for the UK and Scotland according to the latest economic assessment from the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde. In the Deloitte-sponsored Economic Commentary, the Strathclyde r

Scottish shopper numbers rose slightly in September, but this hasn't translated into increased sales, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC).

The pound sterling experienced its sharpest decline against the dollar since March, falling over 1% after Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey suggested the possibility of accelerated interest rate cuts. Speaking to The Guardian Governor Bailey indicated that the BoE could adopt a "more aggr

A new report has revealed how significant challenges, including skills shortages and an ageing population, pose a risk to Scotland’s economy. The Skills for Today and Tomorrow thought leadership report conducted by the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) on behalf of international law firm CMS,

The UK economy grew by 0.5% in the second quarter of 2024, slightly less than initial estimates of 6%, according to the Office for National Statistics. Despite the slowdown, there are signs of improvement, including a rise in the household saving ratio and GDP per head.

Business confidence in Scotland fell by 16 points to 48% in September, according to the Bank of Scotland's Business Barometer. Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 19 points at 47%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, wh

The OECD has significantly upgraded its UK economic growth forecast for 2024, now predicting a 1.1% expansion. This marks the largest upward revision among G7 nations and places the UK alongside France and Canada for growth. However, the OECD also warns of persistent inflationary pressures, with cor