Mon, Dec 16, 2024

BoE Expected to Hold Rates Steady: Seventh Straight Meeting
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Bank of England’s Interest Rate Decision: What’s Happening?

The Bank of England (BoE) is expected to maintain its current policy rate during the upcoming meeting. Let’s dive into the details and understand what’s behind this decision and its potential impacts.

GBP – Bank of England (BOE) Interest rate will be…?

Bank of England’s Cautious Approach

The Bank of England is widely expected to keep its policy rate steady at 5.25% for the seventh consecutive meeting. Despite recent disinflationary pressures in the UK, the central bank is not expected to cut rates just yet.

EURGBP has broken the Box pattern in downside

EURGBP has broken the Box pattern in downside

What does this mean?

  • Disinflationary Pressures: In May, the UK saw a significant decline in inflation. The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.0%, down from 2.3%, and the core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs, rose by 3.5%, down from 3.9%.
  • Services Inflation: Despite the overall decline in inflation, services inflation remains high at 5.7% year-over-year, compared to the expected 5.3%. This is a critical factor the BoE is keeping an eye on.

Cautious Approach

BoE’s Monetary Policy Minutes

Along with the interest rate announcement, the Bank of England will release its Monetary Policy Minutes. This document provides insights into the central bank’s decision-making process and economic outlook.

  • Cautious Messaging: It’s anticipated that the BoE will deliver a cautious message, emphasizing the still tight domestic labor market and the persistent services inflation.
  • Future Rate Cuts: There is speculation about potential rate cuts later in the year, but for now, the BoE is expected to maintain the current rate.

GBPJPY is moving in Ascending channel and market has fallen from the higher high area of the channel

GBPJPY is moving in Ascending channel and market has fallen from the higher high area of the channel

Economic Indicators and Market Expectations

Money Markets: The money markets are pricing in around 45 basis points of easing by the BoE by the end of the year and nearly 30 basis points by November. This indicates that while the current rate is expected to be maintained, there is an expectation of easing in the near future.

Bank of England’s Vote: The vote is likely to remain at 7-2, with some revisions to the accompanying statement. Traders will be particularly interested in any rate recommendations for the August meeting.

pressures still present

Insights from BoE Officials

  • Governor Andrew Bailey: Following the bank’s event on May 9, Governor Bailey suggested that future rate cuts might need to exceed current market expectations to prevent inflation from dropping below target. He emphasized that even a small cut would keep monetary policy in restrictive territory.
  • Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent: Broadbent, whose final policy decision will be on Thursday, maintained the possibility of a summer rate cut. He indicated that any decision would need to align with the BoE’s projections.
  • Megan Greene: Greene, who had previously noted high wage growth and services CPI as indicators of inflation persistence, has since adjusted her stance, acknowledging a decrease in inflation persistence.

GBPCHF is moving in the Descending channel and the market has rebounded from the lower low area of the channel

GBPCHF is moving in the Descending channel and the market has rebounded from the lower low area of the channel

Market Reactions and GBP/USD Outlook

Impact on GBP/USD: Even though inflation continued to decline in May, the central bank is unlikely to adopt a more relaxed tone or provide a clearer indication of when interest rates might be reduced. This suggests that the British Pound (GBP) will likely remain within its current range for the time being.

GBPUSD is moving in Ascending channel and market has reached higher low area of the channel

GBPUSD is moving in Ascending channel and market has reached higher low area of the channel

Potential Scenarios:

  • Constructive Bias: GBP/USD has shown a constructive bias after surpassing the key 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) of 1.2550. Further gains could lead to revisiting the June high of 1.2860 and potentially reaching the 2024 top of 1.2893 before aiming for the psychological milestone of 1.3000.
  • Selling Bias: Conversely, a resurgence of the selling bias could trigger corrective moves. Immediate support aligns at the June low of 1.2656, followed by the provisional 100-day and 55-day SMAs of 1.2639 and 1.2618, respectively. A deeper pullback could test the 2024 bottom of 1.2299.

Market Reactions

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Bank of England meeting is crucial for understanding the future direction of the UK’s monetary policy. With disinflationary pressures still present and a cautious approach expected, the central bank’s decisions will be closely watched by traders and economists alike. Whether the BoE decides to maintain or adjust its policy rate, the impacts on the GBP/USD and the broader economy will be significant. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to monitor this important event.


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