UK economy grew 6.6% in July as gradual recovery continues

UK economy grew 6.6% in July as gradual recovery continues

A Woman wearing a surgical mask walks past Royal Exchange in the capital's financial district, in London, England on March 11, 2020.

Richard Baker | In Pictures via Getty Images

The U.K. economy grew 6.6% in July on a monthly basis, according to initial estimates published Friday, as the economy seeks to recover from the sharp downturn caused by coronavirus-induced lockdown measures.

July's estimated growth in GDP (gross domestic product) was broadly in line with expectations, with economists polled by Reuters expecting a monthly expansion of 6.7%, and follows growth of 8.7% in June and 2.4% in May, following a record 20% plunge in April.

Friday's data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a decline of 11.7% compared to the same period last year, slightly below expectations of an 11.4% contraction.

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