Gilt yield drama makes rising annuity rates ‘hard to ignore’

Dramatic spike in government borrowing costs January started in dramatic fashion for government borrowing with a significant cost spike which saw the 15-year gilt yield standing at 5.17%, compared to 4.23% on the same date the previous year. Uncertainty about the performance of the UK economy and the ramifications for inflation after Donald Trump returns to the White House are …

The Bank of England holds rates at 4.75% as Budget adds inflation uncertainty

The MPC said there were ‘additional uncertainties’ caused by the Budget and further global political tensions. The Bank of England (BoE) has held the base rate at 4.75% in a widely expected move, with the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voting in a 6-3 majority. The decision to hold rates comes after twelve month CPI inflation increased to 2.6% in November, …

UK inflation jumps to eight-month high of 2.6%

The rise means it is unlikely the Bank of England will cut rates later this week, analysts say. UK inflation jumped to 2.6% in November, its highest level in eight months. The rise in the Consumer Price Index, from 2.3% in the previous month, was due to higher petrol and clothing prices, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). …

Inflation rises to 2.3% as energy bills grow

Jump in bills drives slight increase in CPI growth in October, with Bank likely to stick to cautious approach to rate cuts. UK inflation rose slightly more than expected to 2.3% in October on the back of a jump in energy prices.  Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth had slowed to 1.7% the previous month, raising some hopes of quicker than …

Bank of England reduces interest rates to 4.75%

Industry experts predict further reductions in the months ahead but say the Budget may slow the pace of future cuts. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has voted 8–1 to reduce Bank Rate from 5% to 4.75%. One member preferred to maintain Bank Rate at 5%. The MPC last reduced interest rates from 5.25% to 5% in August, the …

Below-expected inflation paves the way for two interest rate cuts this year

September marks the first-time inflation has been below the Bank of England’s 2% target since April 2021. CPI inflation has fallen from 2.2% in August to 1.7% in September, below the Bank of England’s 2% target and below economists’ forecasts of 1.9%. After hitting the Bank of England’s 2.0% target in May and June, inflation rose to 2.2% in July …