Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Economy forecast to grow 0.8%

Thursday 27 May 1999 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE CONFEDERATION of British Industry raised its economic growth forecast yesterday as it published a survey showing manufacturers were expecting output to rise for the first time in more than a year.

The CBI said the economy would grow by 0.8 per cent this year, accelerating to 2.1 per cent in 2000 - an upward revision of 0.3 per cent. It also predicted interest rates would fall by 0.5 per cent to 4.75 per cent.

Kate Barker, CBI chief economic adviser, said sterling was forecast to fall to 72 pence to the euro by the end of 2000. "As the UK recovery remains fragile, an early 0.25 point cut in interest rates would be fully justified," she said. A separate CBI survey showed 31 per cent of firms expected output to increase over the next four months while 16 per cent forecast a fall, leaving a balance of 15 per cent.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in