UK GDP growth tipped to hit four-year high in Q1

Analysts expect Q1 GDP growth for the UK to hit 0.9% when the data is released this morning, marking the highest quarterly level since 2010.

The figure would also mark the fifth successive quarter of growth - the longest period since before the financial crisis. Figures for the fourth quarter of 2013 showed an increase of 0.7%, while the Bank of England has said it expects growth to hit 1% this quarter.  Earlier this month, the International Monetary fund said it expects the UK to be the G8's best performing economy in 2014, wih overall growth of 2.9%. A positive number today will lead to further calls for a rise in interest rates later this year, which currently stand at a historic low of 0.5%.