The U.K.'s central bank is set to keep interest rates on hold later Thursday as inflation has moved further above its target rate, even though the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of England's nine-member Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to keep the bank's main interest rate unchanged at 4.
The U.K.’s annual rate of inflation rose further above the BOE’s target, increasing the likelihood that policymakers will opt to hold rates in place this week, despite a struggling economy.
Inflation in the U.K. has risen to its highest level since March, driven by an increase in fuel prices last month.
Inflation in the UK climbed to 2.6 per cent in November, it was revealed today, as the rise in the cost of living accelerated again.
Bank of England policymakers voted 6-3 to keep interest rates on hold on Thursday, a bigger split than economists had predicted as officials disagreed over how to respond to a slowing economy that remains beset by inflation pressures.
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For most of the UK’s inflation shock over the past two years, Bank of England policy reacted to swings in wage and prices data. Now it’s leaning much more prominently on its own forecasts.
Economists widely expected a rate hold at the December meeting, as policymakers remain concerned with stubborn services inflation and wage growth.
The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates steady at 4.75 per cent on Thursday after it was revealed that inflation in November rose to 2.6 per cent, above the central bank’s target.
Inflation in the UK has risen to its highest level since March, driven by an increase in fuel prices last month, official figures showed Wednesday.
The central bank left its main interest rate unchanged at 4.75%, but policymakers were divided over whether rate cuts were needed to tackle a slowing economy.
Economists and traders now expect that February may see the next rate cut, although it could be even later next year.