Bank of England keeps interest rate unchanged and sidelines rate cut speculations

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 6-3 to maintain interest rates at 5.25%, which is a 15-year high. This decision was in line with expectations.

The BoE emphasized that borrowing costs need to remain high for an extended period. This stance contrasts with the recent announcement from the US Federal Reserve, which signaled a shift towards cutting interest rates.

British policymakers expressed concerns that inflation in Britain might persist at higher levels compared to the United States and the euro zone and the Monetary Policy Committee remains focused on addressing inflationary pressures.

The central bank largely dismissed recent economic data indicating a slowdown in wage growth and a drop in gross domestic product in October. This suggests a willingness to prioritize inflation concerns over short-term economic indicators.

The BoE’s policy stance, assuming a gradual fall in interest rates to 4.25% in three years, is at odds with market expectations. The market anticipates rates dropping to that level before the end of the next year.

BoE Governor Bailey highlighted that consecutive rate hikes have contributed to bringing down inflation from over 10% in January to 4.6% in October, however, the central bank sees more work to be done and is committed to taking necessary actions to bring inflation back to the 2% target.

Economists described the BoE’s statement as hawkish compared to the very dovish tone from the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday. The use of a hawkish stance suggests a strong commitment to controlling inflation and maintaining a higher interest rate environment.