Economy grew faster than expected ahead of Iran war
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
The UK economy grew by 0.5% in February, exceeding expectations, according to the Office for National Statistics.
AI Summary
The Office for National Statistics reported that the UK economy expanded by 0.5% in February, indicating faster growth than anticipated. This unexpected economic acceleration suggests a stronger performance than many economists had forecast for the period. The positive data could alleviate some concerns about the UK's economic trajectory and potentially influence future monetary policy decisions. This growth figure is a key indicator of the nation's economic health.
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Economy & Markets
Monitoring the US and global economy including inflation, employment, Federal Reserve policy, trade tensions, market volatility, housing affordability, and the financial pressures facing American households.
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Government TransparencyWATCH: Vought won't say how much Trump has spent on Iran war so far
Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, declined to tell lawmakers on the Senate Budget Committee in a hearing Thursday how much the federal government has spent on the Iran war so far. Watch the clip in the video player above. "We don't have that figures right now, I think in part because it's fluctuating on a day-in, day-out basis," he told Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. READ MORE: Israel and Lebanon reach...
FinanceS&P 500 hits first intraday record high since US-Iran war - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxQR2NRdUlXMXp1NDdUYm9Ga0VkSlVjSVVhclU3Q0psVUE4ZDM4M3Y0Y0Zfdlc3OHdyT3NMZ1ZkUEtLaUtaMHZXZFJuc1k0V2VOV0NZSS1jSGdNelZCWHNMTVAxWXRTMnN3bVBreUFWeFFNdFVRcHZnTFBYVlJ6QVd0M2dJRHpfZkpycE0zWndocWNKOVpMTWNWY1hXWTJuMWM?oc=5" target="_blank">S&P 500 hits first intraday record high since US-Iran war</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
FinanceFrance freezes some spending to offset €6 billion fallout from Iran war
France says the economic fallout from the Iran war has cost France at least 6 billion euros, as the government has rolled out support measures for businesses and households, increased defence spending and faced surging borrowing costs. To offset this while meeting its budget deficit target, officials say a freeze in some spending is necessary. Plus, Kevin Warsh, President Trump's pick for the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, faced a grilling in the US Senate in a confirmation hearing.
GlobalFrom dropping bombs to pressuring banks: US pivots to economic warfare on Iran - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxQNmhBR3VORVJXOGk3aVphLWJWMjE0RDNQdXFtS2xQTHdZcWxzUzN3YUtjdFZLYVlpYnM1aHI0Y056cjdLZ2pEZ2ZIa2dNSng5bEF5ZXUxejdCcUNNRnpZY2dVNVNVdnJ1X3ZMa3pVQnM4eVFVX3RaMkF2dktNa0tmQ08wdENJTjlTemRRT3BvNFNNeHBUczVpUVBHc2NhQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">From dropping bombs to pressuring banks: US pivots to economic warfare on Iran</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsDemocrats urged to link clean energy to affordability as Iran war hikes up prices
<p>Climate leaders say Democrats need to extol clean energy as a way to cut costs for Americans as war roils oil markets</p><p>Democrats should get louder in championing clean energy’s affordability and resilience from global shocks, according to some of the party’s leading voices on the climate.</p><p>As the Iran war roils economies by raising the cost of oil and gas, countries are aiming to accelerate their shift to cleaner energy. But in the US, Donald Trump has sought to kill off any alternative to fossil fuels while opposing Democrats have been reluctant to tie the conflict to any action on the climate crisis.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/20/democrats-clean-energy-iran-war-affordability">Continue reading...</a>
National SecuritySenate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votes - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijgFBVV95cUxPLWFkd1p4UVRwdVZhVklMR3lfdTA1UUJGRVVmWFVtcVFJZFhPY281ZjY5aWVVWjV5SWZ5X1RFdVUyRXhkemJBdC0tbTFrYmFIY1hCUDNPTjdhZ1k4X1JPa3EwYUhxOFNodlpxRGRucmRsZFMwRWFzcDYyQXVpQTI1RHFZSW5uZ3FsNWVkcnRn?oc=5" target="_blank">Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votes</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
A $440,000 Breast Reduction: How Doctors Cashed In on the No Surprises Act and Arbitration
A law meant to end surprise medical billing accidentally created a multibillion-dollar industry that is making doctors richer.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump
One in three Americans forced to make financial sacrifices for health coverage
US Live Nation and Ticketmaster verdict triggers calls for Australian investigation into ticketing rules
Welcome to the Second Gilded Age
Steve Bannon sides with Anthropic in fight with Pentagon: ‘It’s almost too dangerous’
