(March 13): The UK economy unexpectedly failed to grow in January, suggesting activity was stalling even before conflict in the Middle East threatened to deliver a fresh blow to consumers and businesses. It was worse than the 0.2% growth economists had expected and below all the forecasts in the survey. The powerhouse services sector stagnated as a weakening labor market hit recruiters. “The UK economy entered 2026 with little forward momentum, and whether growth strengthens or stalls may depend more on geopolitics than on domestic fundamentals,” said Martin Beck, the chief economist of WPI Strategy. Oil rose above US$100 (RM393.65) a barrel once again on Thursday amid the worst supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.

Source: The Edge Markets March 13, 2026 08:25 UTC