The UK Economy
Track the key numbers affecting your money, investments and the UK economy.
Latest update
Retail Sales is now 1.7% for Jul 2026 — published 21 Aug 2026 (3 days ago).
Next update due
10-Year Gilt Yield is expected 1 Sep 2026 (in 8 days).
UK Inflation (CPI)
2.9%
Jul 2026
Last updated 19 Aug 2026
Next update 15 Sep 2026
10-Year Gilt Yield
5.10%
Jul 2026
Last updated 1 Jul 2026
Next update 1 Sep 2026
BOE Base Rate
3.75%
Jul 2026
Last updated 1 Jan 2026
Next update 10 Sep 2026
UK GDP Growth
0.4%
Q2 2026
Last updated 13 Aug 2026
Next update 11 Nov 2026
UK Unemployment
4.9%
May 2026
Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Next update 14 Sep 2026
Average Wage Growth
3.5%
Jun 2026
Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Next update 14 Sep 2026
UK House Prices
2.0%
Average UK house price: £272,188
1.0% vs previousJun 2026
Last updated 1 Jun 2026
Next update 21 Sep 2026
Retail Sales
1.7%
Jul 2026
Last updated 21 Aug 2026
Next update 17 Sep 2026
UK Government Debt
94.1%
Jul 2026
Last updated 21 Aug 2026
Next update 17 Sep 2026
2-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate
4.79%
Jul 2026
Last updated 1 Jul 2026
Next update 1 Sep 2026
5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate
4.61%
Jul 2026
Last updated 1 Jul 2026
Next update 1 Sep 2026
Food Price Inflation
1.3%
Jul 2026
Last updated 19 Aug 2026
Next update 15 Sep 2026
UK Economy Trends
Pick an indicator to see how it has changed over time.
Source: ONS — CPI annual rate (D7G7)
What Does This Mean For Your Money?
- Inflation has risen to 2.9%. When prices climb faster, the same money buys a little less each month.
- The base rate is 3.75%. Mortgage and savings rates usually move roughly in line with it over time.
- Wages are growing faster than inflation (3.5% versus 2.9%), which can improve household purchasing power.
- The economy grew 0.4% in Q2 2026. Growth generally supports jobs, company profits and tax revenues.
- House prices are up 2.0% over the year — helpful for existing owners, harder for first-time buyers.
- Food prices are rising more slowly than prices overall (1.3% versus 2.9%), which takes some pressure off the weekly shop.
- A typical two-year fix is around 4.79% and have been edging down. If you're remortgaging, compare that with your current rate to see the likely change to your monthly payment. Five-year fixes are cheaper at 4.61%, which usually means markets expect rates to fall.
- The 10-year gilt yield is 5.10%. It's the rate that drives fixed mortgage pricing and annuity rates, and rising yields push down the price of existing bonds.
These explanations are educational only and are not personalised financial advice.
Data SourcesUpdated 24 Aug 2026, 03:01
- UK Inflation (CPI)ONS — CPI annual rate (D7G7)
- 10-Year Gilt YieldBank of England — 10-year nominal gilt yield (IUMMNZC)
- BOE Base RateBank of England — Official Bank Rate (IUMABEDR)
- UK GDP GrowthONS — GDP quarter on quarter growth (IHYQ)
- UK UnemploymentONS — Unemployment rate (MGSX)
- Average Wage GrowthONS — Average weekly earnings, regular pay (KAI9)
- UK House PricesHM Land Registry / ONS — UK House Price Index
- Retail SalesONS — Retail sales index (J5EK)
- UK Government DebtONS — Public sector net debt as % of GDP (HF6X)
- 2-Year Fixed Mortgage RateBank of England — Quoted 2-year fixed mortgage rate (IUMBV34)
- 5-Year Fixed Mortgage RateBank of England — Quoted 5-year fixed mortgage rate (IUMBV42)
- Food Price InflationONS — CPI food and non-alcoholic beverages (D7G8)
Data is provided for informational purposes only. Figures may be revised by the original data provider.