09/11/2007

Interest Rates On Hold But Cut Likely Soon

Mounting pressure for a cut in the UK's interest rate hasn't produced one yet, but the good news for borrowers is that the Bank of England has at least kept interest rates on hold at 5.75% and indications are that a cut is due next time.

Despite pressure for a cut in the cost of borrowing now, the nine members of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have left the base rate unchanged for the fourth month in a row.

But discussions ahead of the decision are thought to have been lively given recent economic indicators.

Figures earlier this week suggested the credit crunch and five interest rate rises since last August had begun to have more of an effect on the economy and consumer confidence than predicted.

But expectations of an imminent cut decreased in recent weeks after the economy showed robust growth.

Now, economists say that while the MPC has opted against a pre-emptive cut, rates could come down as early as next month, with two cuts - to 5.25 per cent - expected by next summer.

(BMcC)

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