A double dip recession looms, as lockdown restricts economic activity

Date: 18th January 2021

In this Perspective Ruth Lea, Economic Adviser to the Arbuthnot Banking Group, discusses the latest UK economic developments:
  • GDP fell by 2.6% (MOM) in November, and was 8.5% lower than in pre-pandemic February, as the second lockdown curbed activity.
  • The services sector was the main drag on activity, falling 3.4% (MOM) in November, production was little changed (down 0.1%, but manufacturing was 0.7% higher) and construction was 1.9% firmer.
  • Industries have performed very differently since February, with the consumer-facing sectors especially adversely affected by Covid-controlling measures. The output of the accommodation and food industry was nearly 64% lower in November than in February, whilst transport and storage had fallen by over 21%, arts and recreation by nearly 37% and 'other services' (including hairdressing) by over 31%. By contrast, production was just 4.7% down (within which manufacturing was 4.9% lower), whilst construction was modestly higher (0.6%).
  • As an illustrative scenario, GDP could fall back 0.25% (QOQ) in 2020Q4 and by around 4% (QOQ) in 2021Q1. These projections suggest a return to recession, even on the strict definition of two quarters of falling output, though note the estimate for 2020Q4's slippage is quite marginal.
  • The ONS's latest Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey (BICS) suggested a significant fall in the percentage of businesses 'currently trading' in late December/early January. Moreover, 14.7% of total respondents had 'no or low confidence' that they would survive, and this rose to 33.8% for accommodation and food activities and 31.8% for 'other services'. The BICS also reported a pick-up in the proportion of businesses' workforce on furlough leave in the second half of December.
  • The trade balance (goods and services) swung into deficit in the three months to November, as imports recovered. There was evidence that the higher imports partly reflected potential stockpiling in preparation for the end of the EU exit transition period (31 December 2020).
International update:
  • Oil prices have firmed recently following Saudi Arabia's decision to cut oil production on 5 January.
  • US President-elect Joe Biden announced a $1.9tn stimulus package on 14 January.
Ruth Lea said 'Even though the fall in November's GDP was less-than-expected it, nevertheless, presaged a double dip recession. In a very general sense recession can be defined as 'a period of temporary economic decline', irrespective of the number of quarters involved, implying not just falling output but a deteriorating labour market. Given the expected weakening labour market for 2020Q4-2021Q1, the next few months will not only see recession, but feel like one. Interestingly both the Chancellor and the Bank Governor issued warnings last week. The Chancellor said the economy 'would get worse before it gets better', whilst the Governor warned the UK economy was facing its 'darkest hour' due to lockdown.'

For full story: http://www.arbuthnotgroup.com/economic_perspectives_group.html

Press enquiries:

Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC:

Ruth Lea, Economic Adviser
07800 608 674, 020 8346 3482
ruthlea@arbuthnot.co.uk
Follow Ruth on Twitter @RuthLeaEcon

Maitland:
Sam Cartwright
020 7379 4415
arbuthnot@maitland.co.uk

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Arbuthnot Banking Group plc published this content on 18 January 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 18 January 2021 09:21:03 UTC