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Economy gains on stronger investments
Gross domestic product (GDP) will increase 3.1% in 2014, the London-based accounting firm said, revising up a forecast of 2.9% published in April. That puts Britain on track to be the fastest growing economy among the Group of Seven nations this year with the balance of growth shifting to business investment from consumer spending.
“The UK has hit the sweet spot,” Peter Spencer, chief economic adviser to the EY Item Club said. “Investment is being ramped up, generating over half of the growth over the last year, and helping to rebalance the economy away from consumption. Underpinned by a strong labour market that provides the best of both worlds.”
GDP expanded 0.8% in the second quarter, matching the first quarter’s growth, according to the median estimate of 36 economists in a Bloomberg survey. On an annual basis, the economy grew 3.1%, a separate poll predicted before the release on July 25.
Capital spending by firms will increase 12.5% this year, the Item Club predicts.
“Stronger corporate confidence in future demand is driving fixed investment,” said Mark Gregory, chief economist at EY. “After several false starts, this time it could be different.”
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