英国经济连续两月收缩 贸易失衡加剧

Economic Performance - In October, the UK's GDP decreased by 0.1% month-on-month, marking the fourth consecutive month of contraction [1] - The trade deficit widened significantly to £22.542 billion, the highest level since January 2022 [1] - Industrial output increased by 1.1% month-on-month, surpassing market expectations of 0.7%, representing the strongest monthly growth since February [2] Trade Dynamics - Goods exports fell by 0.3% to £77 billion, the lowest in four months, while imports rose by 4.5% to £81.82 billion, reaching a seven-month high [1] - Exports to the EU increased by 1.7%, driven by machinery and transport equipment, while exports to non-EU countries rose by 8.6%, led by chemicals and machinery [1] Sectoral Insights - Within the manufacturing sector, six out of thirteen sub-sectors reported growth, with transport equipment manufacturing rising by 3.6% [2] - The construction sector continued to expand but showed signs of weakening, with output growing by only 0.9% year-on-year, the slowest pace since January [2] Economic Forecasts - The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) raised its GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 1.0% to 1.3% and for 2026 from 1.2% to 1.4% [3] - CBI's chief economist emphasized a "cautiously optimistic" outlook, noting that the recent budget focused more on stability than growth [3] - The CBI expects limited room for interest rate cuts, projecting a reduction of 25 basis points in the near term, bringing the rate down to 3.5% [3]