The Bank of England is expected to lower interest rates next week, despite forecasts that the Labour Party’s autumn budget may lead to increased inflation in the coming year.
The Bank of England’s policymakers are set to announce the results of their monthly meeting next Thursday. Most analysts predict they will decide to reduce the base interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, bringing it down to 4.75%, according to reports from PA Media.
Official data released last month showed that the overall inflation rate dropped to 1.7%, its lowest level since April 2021. Inflation in the services sector also declined, raising hopes that the Bank of England’s policymakers will vote in favor of a rate cut.
The base interest rate, which influences mortgage rates and borrowing costs, currently stands at 5%, following a series of increases aimed at bringing inflation down to the bank’s target of 2%.
The Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting comes just days after British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced an additional annual spending plan of £70 billion, funded through increased taxes targeting businesses, along with additional borrowing.
