Financial markets: Economic indicators
The price of shares and commodities can help show the health of the economy. Find the latest data on the prices of shares, oil and gold.

This note defines FDI and looks at recent trends in UK and world FDI
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics (914 KB , PDF)
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is defined as investment in an enterprise operating in a foreign economy, where the purpose is to have an ‘effective voice’ in the management of the enterprise.
In FDI statistics, an ‘effective voice’ is owning 10% or more of a company; any investment below this is counted as ‘portfolio’ investment and not included in FDI statistics.
FDI can be either inward or outward:
FDI statistics measure two different concepts – flows and stocks.
This briefing examines recent trends in UK and world foreign direct investment (FDI) using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Department for Business and Trade.
In 2022:
In 2023:
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Statistics (914 KB , PDF)
The price of shares and commodities can help show the health of the economy. Find the latest data on the prices of shares, oil and gold.
Sterling often changes in value relative to other currencies. Find the latest data on exchange rates overall and against the dollar and euro.
Debt levels affect how much households spend. Find the latest data on UK household debt, mortgage rates and insolvencies.