August 4, 2006

Interest rates rise on a weakening economy


by Brian Turner

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bank-of-england.jpg

The Bank of England increased interest rates yesterday by a quarter percent, attempting to put the brakes on an economy overheating with inflation.

The move surprised many analysts, as it was expected that the Bank of England may leave any rate rise decisions until November.

The rise comes at a time when the UK economy continues to perform better than expected.

However, many uncertainties underpin the current growth cycle, not least above-target inflation, increasing unemployment, and mounting debts.

The UK banks have recently reported increased profits, but additionally warned that bad debt is eating into their profits.

This is especially as the numbers of insolvencies have increased sharply.

The overall picture is the UK is moving slowly into an economic downturn, with increasing unemployment with rising inflation a particular concern.

And while the housing market appears to be cooling, it appears to be increasingly as a part of the UK economy, rather than apart from it.

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2 Responses to “Interest rates rise on a weakening economy”

  1. Platinax News » Economic downturn continues to threaten UK on September 13th, 2006 1:37 pm

    […] While people are quick to blame higher oil prices and utility bills, the Bank of England has been very slow to react to worrying economic indicators, instead suddenly putting their foot briefly on the brake in August. […]

  2. Platinax News » UK housing market powers up on September 15th, 2006 12:52 pm

    […] And this month the Nationwide and Halifax both reported that the housing market continues to develop strength in spite of the recent Bank of England interest rate rise. […]

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