// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
UK economy grew faster than expected in July
The UK's economy grew faster than expected in July partly helped by businesses using artificial intelligence (AI).
The economy expanded by 0.4%, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, whereas economists had predicted no growth.
The expansion was helped by a strong performance from the services sector, and particularly computer programming.
Experts said July's growth figure showed the UK economy was proving resilient in the face of shocks such as the war in Iran, but said they expected growth to slow in the months ahead as high energy prices affect households.
July's figure follows growth of 0.3% in June and zero growth in May.
According to the ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, there was evidence that businesses involved with AI and related technologies helped to boost the sector, not just in July but in May and June as well.
She also said some businesses had said that the warm weather and football world cup had affected activity in July, although she said the effects "differed across industries, benefitting some businesses while creating challenges for others".
The ONS said that in the three months to July, which gives a better underlying picture, the economy grew by 0.4% compared with the previous three months.
Chancellor John Healey said the economy, was "demonstrating a welcome resilience, despite serious global uncertainty".
"Our growth although still fragile was the fastest in the G7 in the first half of the year," he added.