ONS: UK monthly GDP growth led by strong services

Following are the key highlights from the first-ever monthly UK GDP report via the Office for National Statistics (ONS):

GDP growth led by strong services (retail, computer programming and legal services).

Warm weather and royal wedding added to the positivity in services.

The UK growth was flat, 3M-to-April.

Slow growth in manufacturing pulled down industrial production in May.

Unplanned maintenance at Sullom Voe oil & gas unit hit mining & quarrying.

Weak activity in March was a drag on 3M construction growth.

Total trade deficit widened 5.0B to 8.3B 3M-to-May, on falling goods exports, rising goods imports.

Falling exports of cars and rising imports of unspecified goods main reason for widening.