19/03/2002

Fall in inflation suggests frozen interest rates

New figures showing a fall in UK inflation have led to increased speculation that interest rates are unlikely to rise in the near future.

The annual rate of inflation – excluding mortgage repayments – decreased to 2.2 per cent during February, a fall of 0.4 per cent on the figure for January. Inflation including mortgage repayments fell to 1.5 per cent, down from 1.6 per cent in January.

The figures seem to point towards a relaxing of inflationary pressures, which could see the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee opting against a rise in interest rates during its next meeting on April 3 and 4.

January saw a rise in inflation, causing the rate to go above the Government’s “inflation target” of 2.5 per cent.

The increase was attributed to higher oil prices, an influence which was regarded as an isolated factor.

(CL)

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