11/01/2007

Interest rates rise to 5.25%

The Bank of England has announced a shock rise in interest rates, increasing them from 5% to 5.25% - the third rise since last August.

Many experts had expected interest rates to remain on hold this month. However, the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted to increase interest rates in a bid to tackle rising inflation.

Consumer price inflation recently rose to 2.7%, well above the government's 2% target.

The increase in interest rates will be a nasty shock for many homeowners, because it will mean that those with a £100,000 mortgage will see the monthly repayments rise by £16.

(KMcA/EF)


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