Growth figures - A flicker of light

THE figures may be small, but the slightest flicker of light is very welcome on a dark, dark night.

Our economy grew in the third quarter of the year. Gross domestic product (GDP) and gross national product (GNP) recorded the first quarterly increase in almost three years. Estimates showed adjusted figures for GDP rose by 0.5%, with gross national product growing 1.1%. GNP excludes repatriated profits of foreign businesses and interest payments to foreign entities. The growth was led by industry which recorded a 1.4% increase. This was despite an 8.2% decline in building and construction.

It’s far too early to break out the champagne, but not too early to hope the figures will gain the momentum we all hope for.