09/09/2004

Interest rates stay on hold at 4.75%

The Bank of England has decided to keep interests rate on hold at 4.75%.

The bank's Monetary Policy Committee decided to freeze the rate following last month's 0.25% increase.

Reacting to the decision, CBI Chief Economic Adviser, Ian McCafferty, said that business would be "relieved" at the news.

"Recent news suggests that growth has slowed around the world and that UK consumers are being more cautious," he said.

"With the outlook more uncertain, business needs a period of stability and the Bank is right to sit tight until things become clearer."

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said that the move was "the best decision for business".

BCC Director General, David Frost, said: "There is growing evidence that the housing market is cooling down, suggesting that earlier rises in interest rates appear to be running their course. The fact that the financial markets now expect rates to peak at a lower level than before demonstrates the MPC's good sense in waiting to judge the effects of earlier rises."

The BCC said that poor retail sales in July and two successive monthly falls in manufacturing output reinforced the need for a cautious approach in the months ahead.

(gmcg)

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