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Official Data: British Industrial Output Jumps

Industrial output across Britain rose by a robust 0.9 percent in February compared with activity in January, official data showed on Tuesday, cementing the country's economic recovery.

And over 12 months, output jumped by 2.7 percent, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) added in a statement.

Manufacturing output -- which excludes mining and quarrying, electricity, gas and water supply -- grew by 1.0 percent in February compared with January. It increased by 3.8 percent year-on-year, the ONS said.

Samuel Tombs, economist at the Capital Economics research group, said the figures "provide reassurance that the economic recovery has remained strong and broad-based" in Britain.

He added: "February's industrial production figures confirm that the recovery in the manufacturing sector still has plenty of momentum.

"The solid 0.9-percent monthly rise in industrial production -- the largest for eight months -- largely reflected a 1.0 percent increase in manufacturing output."

Overall, Britain's economy expanded by 1.7 percent last year, the strongest growth since before the financial crisis, and is forecast by the government to rally by 2.7 percent in 2014 ahead of next year's general election.

Source: Agence France Presse


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