Retail sales: Economic indicators
Retail is a large component of the UK’s services industry. Find the latest data on sales of food and non-food goods as well as online sales.
GDP measures the size of the economy. Find the latest GDP growth data for the UK and comparisons with other G7 economies.
GDP international comparisons: Economic indicators (139 KB , PDF)
Economic indicators are quick-read summaries of the latest data focusing on different aspects of the UK economy. The full suite of indicators can be found on the main Economic Indicators page.
In Q3 2024, UK GDP was flat (0.0% growth) compared with the previous quarter (Q2 2024), slower than 0.4% in Q2. GDP growth in the Eurozone was 0.4% in Q3 2024, while US GDP rose by 0.8% over the quarter.
UK GDP in Q3 2024 was 2.9% above its pre-pandemic level of Q4 2019. This compares with Eurozone GDP being 4.6% higher, with GDP in Germany only 0.1% higher. The US had the highest GDP growth among G7 economies over this period at 11.5%.
On 17 January, the IMF published new forecasts for the world economy. The IMF projected “steady” global growth of 3.3%, with an upgrade to the US forecast offset by downgrades to other economies. The IMF lifted its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2025 from 1.5% to 1.6%, while leaving its 2026 forecast unchanged at 1.5%.
On 4 December, the OECD published new forecasts for the world economy. The OECD said the global economy had remained resilient in 2024, but “risks are casting a shadow” over the outlook. The OECD lifted its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2025 from 1.2% to 1.7%, boosted by an increase in public spending announced at the Autumn Budget.
This page is updated when new data is published. The next source updates will be:
IMF, World Economic Outlook, April 2025
OECD, Interim Economic Outlook, February/March 2025
GDP international comparisons: Economic indicators (139 KB , PDF)
Retail is a large component of the UK’s services industry. Find the latest data on sales of food and non-food goods as well as online sales.
Unemployment data tells us about the strength of the labour market. Find the latest data on unemployment in several major world economies.
Inflation measures the change in prices over time. Find the latest data on inflation in the UK, the Eurozone, and selected EU countries.