UK posts faster-than-expected growth of 0.8%

The UK's economy grew at 0.8% between July and September, higher than most economists had expected.

It follows 1.2% growth in the second quarter of the year, and is higher than the 0.4% expected by most commentators. The gross domestic product figures released by the Office for National Statistics cover the three months to the end of September. It has thrown the spotlight back on the Bank of England, which had been expected to resume quantitative easing over the next few months. The stronger growth is in line with the expectations of MPC hawk Andrew Sentance, who has repeatedly called for an interest rate rise. Sterling rose to 1.1383 against the euro and 0.9% to $1.5870 again...