08/09/2005

Interest rates remain on hold at 4.5%

The Bank of England has left interest rates unchanged at 4.5%, as expected by many analysts.

Last month, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, amid fears of a slowdown in economic growth and a slump in consumer spending.

However, there are increasing fears about inflationary pressures, as inflation rose to 2.3% in July, 0.3% above the Bank’s target rate. It is feared that inflation could rise even further, due to rising oil prices in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

The MPC’s decision to cut rates last month was close, with four members, including governor Mervyn King, voting against the reduction.

Howard Archer, chief economist at analysts Global Insight, described the decision as “predictable”. He said: “The committee has made it clear that it is currently in no hurry to cut rates further.”

However, Mr Archer said that they still believe that a further 0.25% interest rate could be introduced before the end of the year.

(KMcA/SP)

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