UK Economy Grows as Sun and Football Help Businesses
Listen to the story
The UK economy grew by 0.4% between April and June, according to new figures.
Some businesses reported that warm, sunny weather in June helped them sell more goods and services. Sports events, including the World Cup, also seemed to boost business for some companies.
Economic growth shows whether a country is producing more or less than before. A growing economy is usually seen as positive because it can lead to more jobs and higher wages.
The 0.4% figure covers a three-month period, known as a quarter. Economists study these quarterly numbers to see if the economy is improving or slowing down.
Weather and big sports events do not always affect the economy, but they can make a short-term difference. Warmer weather often encourages people to spend money on things like food, drinks, and outdoor activities.
Businesses linked to sports events, such as pubs, shops, and streaming services, may also benefit when many people want to watch matches or buy related products.
Officials often look at these growth figures closely, because they can affect decisions about interest rates and government spending. A steady rise in growth is generally welcomed by both businesses and policymakers.
Vocabulary4 words
- economy
- all the business and money activity in a country
- economic growth
- an increase in how much a country produces and earns
- quarter
- a period of three months
- interest rates
- the cost of borrowing money, set by banks or governments
Quiz
Answer key
1. 0.4% 2. A three-month period 3. Sunny weather and sports events like the World Cup
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The UK _____ grew by 0.4% between April and June, according to new figures.
Some businesses reported that warm, sunny _____ in June helped them sell more goods and services.
Sports events, including the World Cup, also seemed to boost _____ for some companies.
Economic growth shows whether a country is producing more or less than before. A growing economy is usually seen as _____ because it can lead to more jobs and higher wages.
The 0.4% figure covers a three-month period, known as a _____.
Economists study these _____ numbers to see if the economy is improving or slowing down.
Warmer weather often encourages people to spend money on things like food, drinks, and outdoor _____.
Officials often look at these growth figures closely, because they can affect decisions about interest _____ and government spending.
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