Bank of England's Bold Move: Implications for the British Economy and GBP

In our conversation with Alex Kuptsikevich, an analyst from FXPro, we delve into the Bank of England's recent decision on interest rates and its implications for the British economy and the GBP. The central bank's move to raise its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% is a significant step, marking the highest rate since 2008. This decision comes as Britain grapples with one of the highest inflation rates among developed nations, leaving little room for inaction.

Unlike the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, the Bank of England cannot afford to take a wait-and-see approach. The soaring inflation necessitates swift action, and indications suggest that the central bank may not stop raising interest rates until it reaches 5.75%, matching the peak of monetary tightening seen in 2007.

 

FXMAG: What is your assessment of the Bank of England's decision on interest rates? Should we still expect a hike in the Isles? And what's next for the GBP in the context of the BoE's decision?

The Bank of England is expected to raise its key interest rate by 25 points to 5.25%, the highest since 2008. Britain's inflation rate, one of the highest in the developed world, makes it impossible to pause and look around - a privilege the Fed has used and the ECB may do in September. It is worth bracing for indications that the BoE will not stop raising interest rates before the end of the year, taking the rate to 5.75% - the peak of monetary tightening in 2007.

 

The Bank of England's hawkish stance is also likely to attract buyers to the Pound, which has weakened over the past three weeks. An appreciating currency will suppress imported inflation and dampen consumer demand, helping to bring CPI back to the 2% target.

With explicit hawkish comments from the central bank, GBP can avoid breaking the upward trend of recent months and accelerating its decline.