The Office for National Statistics says GDP rose 0.1% in August after 0.4% in each of June and July, even as the three months to August grew 0.7%.1 Services, which drove that quarterly gain, showed no growth in the month.
The ONS published its monthly GDP estimate for August on 15 October.1 It describes the three months to August as the eighth consecutive period of growth on the previous three months. The monthly figures tell a more cautious story: growth slowed from 0.4% in July to 0.1% in August.1
The two numbers do not conflict. A quarterly figure averages the months, so two strong months still lift it after a weak third one.
Services output rose 0.9% in the three months to August, while production fell 0.2% and construction fell 1.0%. The ONS says services was the only positive contributor to GDP growth over the period.1
August itself reversed the pattern. Production grew 0.8% in the month, helped by manufacturing, while services showed no growth and construction fell 0.2%.1 Consumer-facing services fell 0.3%, with food and beverage services the second-largest drag.1
The bulletin says indicators of consumer demand and housing activity weakened in September. It also says electricity and gas wholesale prices remain more than double their levels a year earlier.1 These are early indicators, not GDP data, and September GDP is due on 12 November.1
August is a first estimate and the ONS says it will be revised as more survey returns arrive. We do not know whether August's weakness continues: the September figure is not yet published. The bulletin does not say what caused the services stall, and this piece does not offer a cause.