Displaying items by tag: interest rates

The UK inflation rate surged to 2.6% in November, its highest level in eight months, driven by rising fuel and clothing costs, as well as higher ticket prices for events. This marks the second consecutive month of rising inflation, dampening hopes for an interest rate cut by the Bank of England. Rachel Reeves acknowledged the ongoing struggles of working families, vowing to alleviate financial pressures. However, critics blamed recent government policies for exacerbating inflationary pressures, which could prolong elevated mortgage rates. Many companies are grappling with rising fuel, utility, and wage costs, while households continue to face increased expenses on food, rent, and essentials. Economists predict the Bank of England will keep interest rates steady at 4.75% to curb inflation. While inflation is expected to fluctuate in the coming months, experts forecast a return to the Bank’s 2% target by the end of next year.

In September, UK inflation unexpectedly fell to 1.7%, the lowest rate in 3.5 years, down from 2.2% in August. Lower airfares and petrol prices were the main factors behind this slowdown. The inflation rate now stands below the Bank of England's 2% target, opening the door for potential interest rate cuts. The bank, which has already lowered interest rates once this year, is expected to cut them again in November by 0.25%, with another cut likely in December. While lower inflation is good news for many, economists warn that inflation could rise again due to increased household energy bills. The drop in inflation will also impact the rise of benefits like universal credit, though this will be lower than the expected 4.1% rise in the state pension. Despite the positive signs, the cost of living remains challenging, particularly for low-income families struggling to balance essential expenses like food and heating.

The Bank of England is expected to lower its base interest rate to 3.5% in the coming months, a relief for home buyers and businesses as the UK economy shows signs of improvement. Experts predict the economy will grow at double the previously expected rate. One leading firm has highlighted the need for increased public investment to sustain this growth trajectory. While interest rates have surged due to inflation concerns, prompting households to save rather than spend, the easing of rates is expected to boost consumer confidence. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also upgraded the UK’s growth forecast, positioning the UK just behind the US in expected economic performance within the G-7 nations. Despite lingering uncertainties, these optimistic projections suggest a stronger economic outlook for the UK in the near future.

Market expectations for an August interest rate cut diverge from economists' predictions. A Reuters poll of economists indicates that the Bank of England is expected to cut interest rates next week for the first time in over four years. Most economists surveyed—over 80%—anticipate the rate will drop to 5% from the current 5.25%, which is the highest it has been in over 15 years following 14 consecutive hikes. However, market sentiment is less certain. A slight majority (54%) believe rates will be held steady, while 46% anticipate a cut. Earlier predictions were more confident about a rate reduction, with 97% of economists in a June poll expecting a cut before the latest inflation data was released. The anticipated rate cut would make borrowing cheaper, as evidenced by Nationwide offering a five-year fixed-rate mortgage deal at less than 4%. The last interest rate cut occurred in March 2020 during the onset of COVID-19 in the UK. The Bank of England has maintained higher rates to combat inflation, aiming to bring it down to 2%. Despite recent drops in inflation, rates have remained at 5.25%.

Homeowners face rising mortgage rates as a Bank of England interest rate cut is delayed. Several banks have raised some mortgage rates, responding to uncertain economic forecasts. Inflation remained higher than expected at 3.2% in March, influencing market predictions and delaying anticipated rate cuts. Mortgage brokers have advised securing rates swiftly to avoid financial strain. One broker highlighted the volatile nature of current rates, while another noted increasing frustration among homebuyers due to these changes. Currently, the average two-year and five-year fixed mortgage rates stand at 5.82% and 5.40% respectively.

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has identified 'global shocks' as a significant threat to the UK economy. During a treasury committee session, he expressed concerns about the situation in the Red Sea, especially regarding oil supplies. Recent attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on cargo ships in the Suez Canal have prompted some vessels to reroute for safety reasons. Oil giant BP even temporarily halted all oil shipments through the Red Sea due to the threat. Bailey said that these disruptions could impact shipping prices and costs, which would have implications in the monetary policy realm. However, he noted that there has not yet been a prolonged spike in oil prices. Deputy governor Sarah Breeden also highlighted the threat of uncertainty, encompassing macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical tensions, credit risks, and unemployment. Regarding the UK housing market and interest rates, Bailey observed that market interest rates have recently decreased, resulting in lower mortgage costs.

The Bank of England has maintained its interest rate at 5.25% for the third consecutive meeting. This decision reflects the Bank's stance that borrowing costs need to remain high for an extended period to combat inflation, which is still well above the target rate. Unlike the US Federal Reserve, which hinted at potential rate cuts next year, the Bank of England, led by Andrew Bailey, suggests that the UK is not yet in a position to consider such reductions. Bailey expressed that it is too early to speculate about cutting rates, emphasising the need for more progress in controlling inflation. The decision was not unanimous, with three members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) arguing for a rate increase, but they were outnumbered by the six others. Despite faster-than-expected inflation drops and signs of economic weakness, the Bank is cautious about reducing rates too soon, fearing a resurgence in inflation. Bailey noted that while significant progress has been made in reducing inflation from over 10% in January to 4.6% in October, there is still a journey ahead to reach the 2% target.

The UK has experienced 14 consecutive interest rate rises, affecting both mortgage holders and savers. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), in 2023 the gains from higher savings returns have surpassed the costs of rising mortgage rates, slightly increasing real household disposable income. However, this improvement is flanked by decreases in disposable income in 2022 and an expected drop in 2024. The impact of these rate hikes has been uneven, with many having minimal savings and large sums in non-interest-bearing accounts. The OBR warns of further financial strain in 2024 as fixed-rate mortgages expire, leading to higher debt interest payments and a decline in disposable income. This forecast remains significant even if the Bank of England does not increase rates beyond the current 5.25%. The situation is also impacting non-homeowners, contributing to rising rents. Overall, the OBR suggests tougher financial times ahead, even without additional rate hikes.

In October, UK inflation significantly decreased to 4.6% from 6.7%, marking the lowest rate in two years and a major easing of price pressures. This represents the most substantial monthly drop in the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate since April 1992. The Bank of England (BoE) has kept interest rates unchanged at 5.25% and expects a challenging journey to bring inflation down to its 2% target by late 2025. Rishi Sunak acknowledged this as progress towards his goal of halving inflation within the year, bearing in mind the anticipated election in 2024. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt views this as a step toward long-term economic growth. Despite this positive trend, Britain still maintains the highest consumer price growth among G7 nations and has seen a 21% increase in consumer prices since late 2020. The BoE and economists anticipate further interest rate cuts by December 2024.

A Christian economist has urged churches to consider setting up benevolence funds to help members struggling with the cost of living as inflation proves more persistent than expected. Former IMF economist and government debt manager Dr Paul Mills said the step was needed for those on fixed incomes or losing their jobs. He was speaking after an economic advisor to the Chancellor said the Bank of England may need to spark a recession to finally get rising prices under control. The bank's target from the Government is to get inflation down to 2%, but the public has yet to see the pain that is coming through the economy from interest rate rises. On 22 June the base rate increased to 5%, a bigger increase than expected. Dr Mills said it would help to pray for the nation, and for medium- to long-term steps to turn things around.