ECONOMISTS’ VIEWS: WILL THE BANK RAISE INTEREST RATES THIS WEEK?
PHILIP SHAW | INVESTEC
“A rate rise is possible, but unlikely. For rates to rise, the two existing ‘hawks’ would need to be joined by Tucker, Dale and Miles. This is possible, but it seems more likely that the Bank rate will remain at 0.5 per cent this time.”
GEOFFREY WOOD | CASS BUSINESS SCHOOL
“The MPC should have raised interest rates a long time ago, but inflation has become far too high and vulnerable to price shocks. A modest increase would tackle inflation expectations. The Bank’s credibility is seriously at risk.”
HOWARD ARCHER | IHS GLOBAL INSIGHT
“The odds still significantly favour the Bank holding fire on interest rates in the very near term. Nevertheless, it is far from inconceivable that they could raise interest rates at the February meeting this Thursday.”