A six week interlude since the last meeting had taken some of the heat out of the interest rate debate. When the Bank last met in early November, it was under intense pressure to restore confidence in the UK’s economic management after the ill fated “mini-budget” and subsequent unravelling of the Truss government.
As a result, it increased rates by 0.75% to 3%, the increase was the biggest single day increase in more than 30 years.
Recession + inflation = rate rises
Financial markets had predicted today’s 0.5% increase as fears continue to mount about the UK entering a prolonged recession. The Bank hopes that increasing the costs of borrowing through interest rate hikes will combat inflation. Data released yesterday showed that although the consumer prices index (CPI) fell back from 11.1% in October to 10.7% last month (mainly from weaker increases in petrol, clothing and food) it remains well above the BoE’s 2% target.
Tackling public enemy number one
Jeremy Hunt had previously thrown his support behind the committee at Threadneedle Street by stating his priority was controlling inflation. Hunt stated that inflation was “the number one enemy that makes everyone poorer” and “getting inflation down so people’s wages go further is my top priority”
It has been suggested by some experts that headline inflation may have peaked in October partly thanks to reducing oil costs, stronger currency and companies becoming less confident about further increasing their prices.
Act now or wait?
One thing that is certain, is that no one can predict the markets next move. Borrowers are trapped between acting now to prevent further increases or moving too early and paying over the odds on interest rates.
Have mortgage lenders priced this increase in to their rates?
Andy McBride, Director at Cleerly had this to say about the current situation:
“Whilst I am sure the increasing base rate has many people concerned, it is worth noting that many lenders have already “priced in” rate increases. Whilst there will probably be further jostling on rates from the lenders, I would suggest this has more to do with wholesale borrowing costs and managing their lending targets given the time of year than base rate movements”