06/07/2006

UK interest rates remain on hold

UK interest rates have been kept on hold at 4.5% for the eleventh month in a row, the Bank of England has announced.

The decision, by the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, had been widely expected, however some analysts believe that rates could rise before the end of the year.

In May, inflation rose to 2.2%, because of rising energy and fuel bills - the Bank's target is 2%.

However, last week, Bank of England governor Mervyn King said immediate action was unlikely to be taken because the cost of other products had not risen and wage growth had remained under control.

Commenting on the decision, Ian McCafferty, CBI Chief Economic Advisor, said: "With mixed economic signals, the Bank has chosen a steady course that will encourage stability.

"Spiralling energy costs have created inflationary pressures but the overshoot should prove temporary and does not warrant a rate rise. Any movement today would have been premature.

"The economy is growing and consumer spending has picked up, at least during the World Cup. But unemployment is rising, whilst overseas the US economy appears to be slowing. These issues demand the full attention of the MPC over the coming months."

(KMcA)

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