Finance

UK's 2025 growth forecast halved to 1.0%, OBR says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 26, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 24, 2026

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UK's 2025 growth forecast halved to 1.0%, OBR says

UK's 2025 Economic Growth Forecast Reduced to 1.0%

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's economy is forecast to grow by 1.0% this year, the Office for Budget Responsibility said on Wednesday, halving its estimate made in October.

The OBR expects economic output to expand by 1.9% in 2026 and averaging 1.8% a year over the rest of the forecast.

That compared with the OBR's previous expectations for growth of 1.8% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027.

"The projected acceleration in 2026 reflects monetary policy loosening, falls in energy prices, and a gradual easing of uncertainty resulting in spare capacity in the economy being used up," the OBR said in forecasts published as finance minister Rachel Reeves delivered a half-yearly budget update.

(Reporting by David Milliken and Sachin Ravikumar; writing by Suban Abdulla; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Key Takeaways

  • The UK's 2025 growth forecast is halved to 1.0% by the OBR.
  • Economic output is expected to expand by 1.9% in 2026.
  • Monetary policy and energy prices influence growth projections.
  • Finance Minister Rachel Reeves provided a budget update.
  • The OBR's previous growth expectations were higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The main topic is the UK's economic growth forecast for 2025 being halved to 1.0% by the OBR.
Why was the growth forecast changed?
The forecast was adjusted due to monetary policy changes, energy price falls, and reduced economic uncertainty.
Who delivered the budget update?
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves delivered the half-yearly budget update.

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