Bank of England cuts interest rates – experts share views on what it means for advisers and clients

The Bank of England has taken another step toward easing, cutting the base rate from 4.5% to 4.25% in a widely anticipated but cautious move. There was however a split in the voting so it wasn’t unanimous. With inflation easing—coming in at 2.6% in the year to March—markets had priced in a cut, though the Bank’s measured 25bp shift suggests policymakers remain …

UK inflation falls again

After a long stretch of economic unease, UK inflation has continued its downward trajectory, with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) falling to 2.6% in the year to March, according to the latest inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks the second consecutive monthly decline and comes in lower than market expectations — a welcome development for households and …

Bank of England halts interest rate cuts amid ongoing inflation

As priced in by markets The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) opted to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.5% in its second meeting of the year. Eight MPC members voted in favour holding the interest rate steady, while Swati Dhingra wanted to reduce the rate by another 0.25 percentage points. Last month, the MPC implemented a quarter …

Inflation rises to 3% in January

The higher-than-expected rise adds to the Bank’s challenges when considering interest rates. UK consumer prices index (CPI) inflation rose to 3% in January, an above-expectation increase that adds to the Bank of England’s challenges in managing monetary policy.  According to the Office for National Statistics, rising petrol and food costs drove inflation. Private schools passing on VAT bills to parents …

UK inflation lowers to 2.5% in December

Down from 2.6% in November The UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropped to 2.5% in December, below FactSet’s consensus of 2.8% for the month. According to data from the Office for National Statistics today (15 January), the downward trend was driven by restaurants and hotels, with the latter recording a 1.9% decline in prices over the month, as opposed to …

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). …