UK economy thaws in April, chill ahead

⁣The UK economy thaws out in April with indicators suggesting that the global climate may have affected the performance of businesses. According to the economists' survey, the share prices of British companies are likely to fall, and manufacturing is expected to contract. However, manufacturing is one sector that is expected to show growth in the coming months, as the global slowdown may well prompt more companies to reduce prices. Meanwhile, consumers may also begin to feel the pinch in light of higher food costs, higher borrowing costs and cutbacks in some economically vital services.