Another Policy Error? Bank of England Hikes Rates Despite Uncertainty Over Economic Growth

The Bank of England on Thursday raised borrowing costs for the third consecutive time, amid surging inflation thats running at the highest in 30 years. However, with global uncertainty mounting over the Russia-Ukraine crisis and sharply increasing energy prices, UK’s economy could face added headwinds, hindering growth and ultimately sending it into a recession.

The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee agreed to hike its policy rate by another 25 basis points to pre-pandemic levels of 0.75%, as annual inflation hit 4.9% in January— the highest in about 30 years. The committee began raising borrowing costs in December for the first time since 2004, hiking rates from a record-low of 0.1% to 0.25%, followed by another 25 basis-point increase in February.

During its policy meeting last month, the Bank of England forecast inflation would hit a peak of 7.25% in April, amid robust economic growth and strengthening labour markets. In response, the bank said additional monetary policy tightening measures would depend on medium-term inflation expectations, which have since been on the rise following Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine and subsequent surge in energy prices.

“Global inflationary pressures will strengthen considerably further over coming months, while growth in economies that are net energy importers, including the United Kingdom, is likely to slow,” the bank wrote in its report published on Thursday. Now, the central bank anticipates inflation will rise even further in the coming months, hitting at least 8% by the second quarter of the year, with potential of even reaching double-digits before the end of 2022.

With historically high inflation— and projections calling for even further increases in consumer prices, the Bank of England has no choice but to keep raising borrowing costs in order to prevent the Pound from devaluing further. However, with the unexpected unfolding of the Ukraine crisis and consequent sharp jump in oil and gas costs, UK’s economic growth and labour market rebound may face added challenges.

“Savings rates could improve from here which might offset some of the cost of living crunch, but with inflation proving difficult to contain it might all be a little too late,” warned Quilter Investors portfolio manager Paul Craig, as cited by CNBC. “With global risks and the Russia-Ukraine war having a significant economic impact, growth will be challenged and thus the Bank may need to reverse course later in the year.”

So, in other words, impending policy error?


Information for this briefing was found via the Bank of England and CNBC. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Endeavour Mining Q1 Earnings: Cash Flow Is King

G Mining Oko West Feasibility: Move Fast, Break.. Nothing?

New Gold Q1 Earnings: What’s Behind The Market’s Surprising Reaction?

Recommended

Giant Mining Encounters Native Copper As Hole MHB-34 Hits 563 Metres Depth

Verses Hits Commercialization Stage With Genius AI Platform

Related News

Tiff Macklem Leaves Rates Untouched, Is Confident Inflation Will Fall ‘Quickly’ In Coming Months

As was widely expected, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem opted to keep the overnight...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 10:23:20 AM

Ukraine Resists US Push for $500 Billion Mineral Rights Deal

Ukraine is pushing back against US demands for a $500 billion fund tied to the...

Monday, February 24, 2025, 03:46:00 PM

Justin Trudeau Announces Support for Ukraine, Sanctions Against Russia

Despite ongoing disarray and growing public discontent with the Liberal government’s vaccine mandates, Prime Minister...

Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 03:06:00 PM

Amazon Plans to cut 10,000 Corporate and Tech Jobs as Global Economy Sours

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is supposedly going to terminate up to 10,000 staff across its corporate...

Monday, November 14, 2022, 02:34:50 PM

NATO Defense Spending Soars as Russian Threat Looms, but Some Allies Lag Behind

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced on Monday that a record 23 out of NATO’s 32...

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 09:13:00 AM