The UK economy has experienced the most prolonged decline in real GDP on record. GDP is still lower than before the start of the great recession in 2008. This unprecedented recession has been prolonged – despite a sharp depreciation in the Pound, and a raft of unconventional monetary policies. However, recent statistics suggest there are some reasons to be more hopeful and the UK economy is starting to recover. Yet, despite the recovery, many analysts still worry that the economy is unbalanced and could be vulnerable to a further economic downturn in Europe and the rest of the world.
Economic recovery
Source: ONS
The UK recovery since 2009 is best described as ‘patchy’ The important thing is to maintain recovery for a prolonged period and not slip back down into recession. The governor of the Bank of England recently talked about the need for the UK economy to reach ‘escape velocity’ – this means a recovery strong enough for the recovery to be self-maintaining – without the artificial props of quantitative easing e.t.c.
Where is the recovery coming from?
1. Retail spending. Although real incomes remain depressed, retail spending has shown renewed strength. Compared with a year ago (July 2013 compared with July 2012) the quantity bought in the retail industry increased by 3.0% (ONS). Consumer spending accounts for approx 65% of UK GDP and so is the most important component. A rise in consumer spending is good because it shows a renewed confidence about the economy. However, at the same time, it raises concerns. The growth in consumer spending is partly financed by a fall in the savings ratio, it isn’t being met by growth in real incomes. Therefore, there is a danger the UK recovery is falling into the old trap of being unbalanced and relying on consumers dipping deeper into their pockets (and credit cards)
2. Manufacturing. For a long time, manufacturing has been the struggling sector of the UK economy. The weakness of manufacturing is one factor behind the UK’s persistent trade deficit, but recent evidence is more promising. This week, the PMI survey for the manufacturing sector found the strongest growth in activity for two and a half years, with output and new orders rising at their fastest rate for 19 years. However, although this sounds impressive, it needs to be remembered manufacturing output is still 11% lower than it pre- 2008 peak.
– a long way to recovery.
Construction has also seen growth in the first part of 2013, but, this is from a very weak base, and construction output is still down 0.5% on a year ago. (ONS)
3. Exports to emerging economies. In 2013, we have seen strong export growth to emerging economies. Exports to BRIC countries have performed well. Exports to China have risen nearly sixfold since 2002.
In one sense, these export growth to new markets is encouraging. With Europe stuck in recession, it is good news the UK exporting sector has been able to diversify into emerging markets, which perhaps have greater potential in the long term. However, there have been increasing concerns that the long boom years for China and India may be coming to an end. This would dampen growth in these new export sectors. Also, it is still a small share of GDP for the UK economy.
4. Housing Market. Another staple of the UK economy. A renewed rise in house prices is a mixed blessing. The rise in prices will encourage consumer confidence and improve the balance sheets of banks. It has also encouraged renewed activity in the construction sector. However, house prices are already stretched, with house price to income ratios close to all-time high. Rising house prices as the main source of economic recovery is another sign of an unbalanced economy.
Policies for recovery
1. Exchange rate
One feature of the post 2009 economy was the fact that the massive depreciation in the value of the Pound did so little to boost exports. This suggested demand was price inelastic; it was also a reflection of the weak European economy. Rather belatedly, the weaker pound may be helping the UK economy, at least in terms of helping exports to emerging markets.
2. Monetary policy
Monetary policy has been geared towards trying to stimulate economic recovery. We have interest rates stuck at 0.5% since 2009. The new Bank of England governor seems keen to emphasise his willingness to focus on economic recovery – e.g. forward guidance on monetary policy.
In addition to quantitative easing (which did little to boost economic activity), the Bank’s funding for lending scheme is making renewed attempts to increase bank lending to business.
3. Fiscal Policy
Given the state of the economy since 2010, fiscal policy has failed to provide any stimulus. There have been minor spending cuts, which have still been significant enough to hold back aggregate demand. In recent months, the Government has tried to paint a more positive picture, with promising higher public sector spending, but overall government spending will remain tight for the next few years – with more spending cuts still to come into force.
Conclusion
It is easy to start cherry picking data. In a deep recession, one quarter can throw up seemingly impressive figures – like a 5% growth exports to BRIC countries. But, quarterly data can easily flatter to deceive. The real test is whether growth can be maintained through several quarters. The past few years is littered with numerous false dawns of recovery.
Despite the usual reservations, there are still some grounds for cautious optimism. The growth in GDP is to be welcomed – at the very least, we have avoided the long slump into depression, southern Europe is facing. However, ongoing concerns about whether growth is sustainable and balanced are very real.
I would say the recovery is coming despite the government’s efforts. Given UK monetary policy, the recovery should have been much earlier. But, thankfully, the overall picture looks more promising than a year ago.
Related
QE “did little to boost economic activity”…maybe it helped avert deflation, which could have been disastrous.
Yes. It seems hard to evaluate full extent of Q.E.
QE is an activity but so is sleeping