Audio By Carbonatix
The Bank of England raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point on Thursday, the biggest hike in 33 years, as it tries to contain soaring inflation even as the UK economy slides towards recession.
The central bank made its eighth interest rate hike in less than a year, taking its benchmark rate to 3%, the highest it has been since November 2008.
The huge hike matches moves made by the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday and the European Central Bank last week.
Since the Bank of England’s last meeting, UK financial markets have been through a period of unprecedented turbulence and the outlook for the economy has deteriorated.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ “mini” budget in late September — with its promise of £45 billion ($51.6 billion) of unfunded tax cuts — crashed the pound, collapsed bond prices, sparked mayhem in mortgage markets and prompted an emergency intervention by the Bank of England to save pension funds from insolvency.
While Truss’ tax-cutting plans have since largely been ditched, restoring calm to markets and easing expectations for inflation in the medium term, rising food and energy costs are keeping prices high. The annual rate of inflation rose to 10.1% in September, from 9.9% in August, returning to the 40-year high hit in July.
Central bank policymakers are now waiting for the government’s budget announcement on November 17 for more details on spending plans and tax policies, which could influence what happens to inflation next year.
Despite recent turmoil in the bond market, the Bank of England pushed ahead this week with plans to shrink its balance sheet, selling £750 million ($859 million) of short-term government debt on Tuesday. In a sign of renewed confidence in the United Kingdom, investors placed about £2.45 billion ($2.8 billion) worth of bids for the bonds, Reuters reported.
Latest Stories
-
Government’s indebtedness to SSNIT reduces Trust investment earnings, jeopardize ability to pay future pensions – World Bank
15 minutes -
English limits national progress — Asante Professionals Club pushes for use of local languages
31 minutes -
Australian man charged after endorsing Bondi attack had weapons stockpile, police say
36 minutes -
Ukraine loses embattled eastern town
36 minutes -
Australia to deport British man charged with displaying Nazi symbols
37 minutes -
Two police officers killed in explosion in Moscow
47 minutes -
Self Inflicted Wounds: How we always let opportunities slip through our fingers!
56 minutes -
2024 defeat revealed governance and candidate failures — Bryan Acheampong
1 hour -
Ghana troop deployment to Jamaica and Benin triggers constitutional dispute over executive power
2 hours -
Ghana ends 2025 in 4th place in Africa with highest debt to IMF
2 hours -
Rethinking Presidential Tenure in Ghana, 4 years or 5? – Interrogating the CRC Report
2 hours -
Ghanaian youth leader Ebenezer Martey appointed as member-at-large of ACSA Board
3 hours -
Detty December: A National Emergency Disguised as Enjoyment
3 hours -
Clear Asokwa–Ahodwo corridor by January 4 or risk eviction – Kumasi Mayor warns traders
3 hours -
Nearly 4k shark fins seized at Kotoka Airport in major wildlife trafficking bust
3 hours
