UK inflation rises with looming risk from food shortages
Beast of the East and heatwave hit UK food supplies
Beast of the East and heatwave hit UK food supplies
UK consumer price inflation fell sharply to the lowest rate in a year last month, raising questions over the Bank of England’s (BoE) direction on interest rates.
Sterling was up against the dollar this morning as wages grew faster than expected, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) dropped to 2.7% in February, down from 3% the month before, setting inflation on a slow course towards the Bank of England’s 2% target.
Global markets recently faced a correction, inflation remains above the 2% target and interest rates are likely to rise, but how can investors prepare?
Ten-year treasury yields have soared after US consumer price inflation (CPI) surpassed expectations by 0.5% in January.
January consumer price index (CPI) data and recent comments from Bank of England governor Mark Carney himself seem to suggest that an interest rate rise next month is inevitable. But it would be overhasty to assume that the dovish central bank will suddenly turn hawkish.
Having hit 3.1% in November, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate fell to 3% in December, prompting suggestions UK inflation may have peaked.
UK Inflation hit a five-year high of 3% in September, making the prospect of Bank of England (BoE) raising interest rates next month even more likely.
UK Inflation hit 2.9% in August, far surpassing the Bank of England’s 2% target, but minus inflationary pressures, investors fear an oncoming deflationary nightmare.
Pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates was handed another blow on Wednesday unemployment fell and UK earnings growth, while beating expectations, failed to outpace inflation.
Hot on the heels of the US, the UK has reported weaker than expected inflation data and like its opposite number on the other side of the pond, the Bank of England is now faced with a quandary over rate rises.