The UK economy has shown no growth in the third quarter but surpassed the expectations of economists, according to official figures.
Gross domestic product (GDP) – which measures the value of goods and services produced – also showed no growth in the three months from July to September, the Office for National Statistics said.
The economic growth was driven by 0.2 perecent growth in the services sector, with particular strength in professional, scientific and technical activities and in healthcare.
Analysts had predicted a 0.2 percent fall for the quarter and a flat reading for September.
Darren Morgan, ONS director of economic statistics said: “The economy is estimated to have shown no growth in the third quarter.
“Services dropped a little with falls in health, management consultancy and commercial property rentals.
“These were partially offset by growth in engineering, car sales and machinery leasing.”
Experts have warned the GDP’s lack of growth in the three quarters leaves Britain at risk of recession.
