It coincided with four weeks of restrictions across much of the country.

恰逢全國大部分地區限行四周。

The 2.6% monthly decline was much smaller than most analysts expected, though a Reuters poll had pointed to contraction of more than double that the downturn was led by the services sector as pubs, restaurants and non essential shops had to shut.

2.6%的月度跌幅遠小於大多數分析師的預期，儘管路透社的一項調查曾指出，由於酒館、餐館和非必需品商店不得不關閉，服務業引領的經濟下滑幅度超過兩倍。

Economists are warning that Britain will likely suffer a double dip recession.

經濟學家警告說，英國很可能會遭遇二次衰退。

Its economy shrank more sharply than any other major advanced economy in the first half of 2020 and it's now 8.5% smaller than before the start of the pandemic.

在2020年上半年，它的經濟萎縮幅度比其他任何主要發達經濟體都要大，現在它的經濟規模比大流行開始前小了8.5%。

Finance Minister Richie Cernak said Friday's figures highlight the challenges ahead, but added that the rollout of vaccines in Britain, which has been faster than elsewhere in Europe, was reason to be hopeful.

財政部長裡奇-切爾納克表示，週五的數字凸顯了未來的挑戰，但補充說，英國疫苗的推廣速度比歐洲其他地方更快，有理由抱有希望。

Several economists, though, say the economy will likely shrink in the first three months of 2021 thanks to a third tougher locked down now in place.

不過，幾位經濟學家表示，由於現在實行的第三種更嚴厲的鎖定，2021年前三個月的經濟可能會萎縮。

The UK is also facing a less open trading relationship with the European Union, which could put further pressure on business.

英國還面臨著與歐盟的貿易關係不那麼開放，這可能會給企業帶來進一步的壓力。

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said this week that it was too soon to say if further stimulus would be needed.

英國央行行長Andrew Bailey本週表示，現在說是否需要進一步刺激措施還為時過早。

The central bank ramped up its bond buying program toe over $1.2 trillion in November.

央行在11月將債券購買計劃加大到超過1.2萬億美元。