Thursday preview: UK GDP, Whitbread interims in focus
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Wednesday 15 Oct 2025
(Sharecast News) - Investors will be turning their attention to the latest UK economic growth figures on Thursday.
UK GDP data for August is scheduled for release at 0700 BST.
Michael Hewson at MCH Markets Insights said that having seen second-quarter GDP confirmed at 0.3% largely due to a large increase in government spending, the focus will shift to how the UK economy might perform in the second half of the year, and the third quarter in particular.
"In July there was a significant slowdown from the 0.4% seen in June, to 0%, with a sharp fall in the manufacturing sector which saw a 1.3% drop-in economic activity," he said.
"Services and construction were both bright spots rising 0.1% and 0.2% respectively, however scepticism has been rising in the past few months as US tariff related effects drop out of the numbers and the status quo reasserts itself.
"We already know from recent PMI reports that hiring has been slowing sharply, while price pressures are starting to reassert themselves, while consumers appear to be holding back. It seems likely that Q3 could see the economy slow further, and while we may not see a contraction there's a high chance of further stagnation."
On the corporate front, interim results are due from Premier Inn owner Whitbread.
Derren Nathan, head of equity analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, noted that Whitbread had a challenging first quarter as both accommodation and food and beverage sales declined.
"Bookings were tracking ahead of last year, but Premier Inn doesn't benefit greatly from revenue visibility and markets will be keen to see if the improving demand trend has persisted," he said. "Recent industry data suggests that while UK room rates have been largely flat, occupancy has been on the increase. Premier Inn tends to outperform the competition, but there can be no guarantees.
"Germany started the year more brightly and last investors heard, the region remains on track to deliver profitability by the end of the year. But it's not the main event for now.
"Overall, market forecasts for first half group revenue and operating profit to land a shade below last year look reasonable. But achieving this isn't just down to demand. It also hinges on Whitbread's ability to deliver on its efficiency promises so that it can mitigate continuing cost pressures."
Speciality chemicals firm Croda International will publish its third-quarter sales update on Thursday, while over in Europe, food and beverage giant Nestle will report nine-month sales.
Thursday 16 October
INTERIMS
Whitbread
INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
Aviva, Gamma Communications, Hammerson
INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Anglo-Eastern Plantations, Animalcare Group, Avation, Coats Group, Howden Joinery Group, ITV, Maven Renovar Vct , Next 15 Group, Persimmon, Senior, Spirax Group
QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE
JpMorgan China Growth & Income
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Balance of Trade (EU) (10:00)
Business Inventories (US) (15:00)
Continuing Claims (US) (13:30)
Import and Export Price Indices (US) (13:30)
Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30)
Producer Price Index (US) (13:30)
Retail Sales (US) (13:30)
SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Maven Renovar Vct
AGMS
Fusion Antibodies , Golden Rock Global, Insig AI
TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mondi, Oxford Instruments
UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Balance of Trade (07:00)
Gross Domestic Product (07:00)
Index of Services (07:00)
Industrial Production (07:00)
Manufacturing Production (07:00)
FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE
IG Group Holdings, National Westminster 9%pf, South32 Limited (DI)
FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE
Diageo, Hays, Smiths Group
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