British economy stalls

The British economy did not grow at all in April, according to preliminary figures from the country's statistics bureau ONS.

This can be compared to the growth of 0.4 per cent in March and market expectations of a decline in British gross national product (GNP) in April of 0.1 per cent.

The manufacturing industry slowed down with a decline in production of 1.4 per cent. This can be compared to an average forecast of 0.2 per cent.

Construction production also fell by 1.4 per cent, which can be compared to an average forecast of unchanged production.