Speaking to the Telegraph, IMF economist Charles Collyns revealed that the Washington-based institution has upgraded its economic forecast for this year and next year.
"The flow of data over the past month or so has been quite negative - especially the news on house prices, manufacturing, and consumer and business confidence," he acknowledged.
Mr Collyns continued: "On the other hand, the hard data on activity, especially on consumption and employment, has shown considerable resilience.
[the UK has] strong policies and policy frameworks, which provide a strong foundation to weather global shocks
Charles Collyns
Economist
IMF
"Overall, we do feel that the risks to the current forecast are to the downside.
The institution has raised its estimate for UK growth in 2008 from 1.6 per cent to 1.8 per cent, while its 2009 projection has been lifted by 0.1 to 1.7 per cent.
Commenting on the development, a Treasury spokesperson said the UK economy remains strong "and is well placed for the future".
"As the IMF recently noted, the UK has 'strong policies and policy frameworks, which provide a strong foundation to weather global shocks'," added the representative.
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