Economists predict 0.2% rise in monthly GDP following declines in previous two months

Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.

The UK economy is expected to have returned to growth in November, following two consecutive months of contraction.

With growth expected to improve further in 2025, this lays a positive backdrop for UK equities.

Some sectors of the UK economy are clearly struggling, such as manufacturing and particularly areas like chemicals, as they are grappling with high energy prices relative to the US, making them less competitive. The danger is that US tariffs could also worsen the situation for exporters.

9am GMT: Italy trade for November and final inflation for December

9.30am GMT: Bank of England credit conditions survey

10am GMT: Eurozone trade for November

1.30pm GMT: US retail sales for December and initial jobless claims for latest week