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On Feb. 5, 2026 the Bank of England held its bank rate at 3.75% after a narrow 5-4 vote by the Monetary Policy Committee, with four members preferring a 25 basis-point cut to 3.5%. The decision followed an unexpected rise in CPI to 3.4% in December, but the BoE revised its forecast that inflation will fall to around 2% by spring — sooner than previously expected — helped in part by fiscal measures to cut household energy bills.
The Bank downgraded its GDP growth outlook to 0.9% for 2026 (from 1.2%) and now expects unemployment to peak at 5.3%. Governor Andrew Bailey said there should be scope for “further reduction in Bank Rate” if disinflation continues.
Markets reacted by repricing the path of cuts (money markets now price roughly two quarter-point cuts this year) and sterling weakened.
The Bank signalled a cautious, data-dependent approach as it balances falling inflation against risks from services inflation and wage growth; the next MPC meeting is on 19 March.























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