UK trade gap narrows despite fears of Brexit slowdown

Rise in exports in October fuels hopes economy will end year strongly - but construction output suffers surprise fall

News of a pick-up in exports has fanned hopes the UK economy will finish the year on a strong note, confounding earlier fears that the Brexit vote would spark a sharp slowdown.

Official figures showed the UK's trade deficit with the rest of the world narrowed more than expected in October as exports rose and imports fell. But statisticians said there was little evidence that the weak pound - which makes UK goods cheaper overseas - was boosting exports.

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