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Bank Of England

All articles tagged with #bank of england

Energy shock lifts UK gilts to 2008-era highs as yields surge
business22 days ago

Energy shock lifts UK gilts to 2008-era highs as yields surge

UK gilt yields jumped to their highest since 2008, with the 10-year around 5% and the 2-year about 4.6%, as energy-price pressures from the Iran conflict fuel inflation risks and expectations of further rate rises. The Bank of England is seen holding rates with little chance of cuts this year, pushing up borrowing costs for the government and keeping bond-market volatility elevated; February borrowing came in higher than forecast at £14.3 billion, underscoring the fiscal challenge amid the energy shock.

UK inflation slows to 3% on cheaper food and fuel, fueling rate-cut bets
economy1 month ago

UK inflation slows to 3% on cheaper food and fuel, fueling rate-cut bets

Britain's inflation rate dropped to 3% in January from 3.4%, led by cheaper petrol, food and airfares, though prices are still rising rather than falling. The cooler pace increases the likelihood of a Bank of England rate cut at its March meeting, with energy-bill support expected to ease price pressures further in the coming months. Economists forecast further declines ahead, though policy decisions and wage dynamics could influence how quickly inflation falls toward the 2% target.

UK unemployment climbs to five-year high as vacancies lag and redundancies rise
economy1 month ago

UK unemployment climbs to five-year high as vacancies lag and redundancies rise

Official data show the UK unemployment rate rising to 5.2% in December, the highest since early 2021, with redundancies increasing and the number of unemployed per vacancy at a post-pandemic high. Wage growth remains uneven—faster in the public sector and softer in the private sector—and the ONS cautions about interpreting monthly vacancy data. A CIPD survey links hiring cuts to new workers’ rights and higher employer National Insurance costs, while markets price in potential Bank of England rate cuts later this year.

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates Ahead of Christmas
business3 months ago

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates Ahead of Christmas

The Bank of England narrowly voted to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75%, marking the fourth cut in 2025, to support consumers amid softening economic data and inflation easing. The decision was closely contested, with some policymakers concerned about inflation remaining above target. The rate cut is expected to benefit borrowers but may reduce returns for savers, and further easing could occur in early 2026 depending on economic conditions.

Bank of England Likely to Maintain Rates Amid Budget Uncertainty
economy5 months ago

Bank of England Likely to Maintain Rates Amid Budget Uncertainty

The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 4% in its upcoming meeting amid high inflation and upcoming UK budget decisions, pausing a rate-cutting trend that has been ongoing since August 2024. While a rate cut is not expected immediately, market expectations for a possible reduction in December have increased, depending on upcoming economic data and the budget's impact. The decision is also influenced by global central bank trends and economic uncertainties.