The GDP in the UK contracted by 0.1% month-on-month in April 2026, in line with expectations and following a 0.3% expansion in March. This marked the first contraction since August last year, as the effects of the Middle East conflict began to ripple through the economy. Services output declined 0.2%, with the largest negative contributors being administrative and support service activities, which fell 2.2%, and arts, entertainment and recreation (-4.3%). Wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle repair, also declined 0.4%. On the other hand, information and communication provided the largest positive contribution, rising 1.1%. Meanwhile, production output was flat after a 0.2% decline in March, as gains in manufacturing and mining were offset by declines in utilities and water-related activities. In contrast, construction grew by 0.1%. On a yearly basis, GDP expanded 1.2%, the same pace as in March and slightly below a forecast of 1.3%.