UK economy flat in February as strikes and inflation bite — and the IMF delivers reality check

LONDON — The U.K. economy flatlined in February as widespread industrial action and persistently high inflation stymied activity.

Data on Thursday showed a steady GDP in February, missing consensus expectations of 0.1% growth. Both the services and production sectors contracted, partly offset by a record 2.4% expansion in construction. 

This followed an upwardly revised 0.4% expansion in GDP in January, which means output grew by 0.1% in the…