英国经济出现18个月来最严重萎缩，降息预期飙升

Group 1 - The UK economy faced its most severe monthly decline in 18 months, with April GDP shrinking by 0.3%, significantly worse than the expected contraction of 0.1% [2][3] - The decline marks the end of a brief recovery earlier in the year, where Q1 GDP had grown by 0.7%, outperforming both the Eurozone and the US [3] - The drop in exports to the US, attributed to tariff policies, has severely impacted overall economic performance, revealing the UK's reliance on foreign trade [4] Group 2 - The global trade environment has worsened, leading to increased caution among local businesses, particularly affecting investment decisions [5] - Structural issues, including long-term low investment and stagnant productivity, have weakened the UK's economic growth foundation, exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic [7] - Recent tax reforms and increased operational costs due to higher employer taxes and minimum wage hikes are adding further burdens on businesses [7] Group 3 - The labor market, previously resilient, is now facing pressures that could lead to a surge in unemployment, with companies experiencing hiring freezes and layoffs [8]