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BOE's Unanimous Rate Hike Has Economists Projecting Two in 2019

BOE's Unanimous Rate Hike Has Economists Projecting Two in 2019

(Bloomberg) -- The Bank of England’s unanimous decision to raise interest rates this month has led economists to predict an additional two hikes next year.

A survey of 31 economists by Bloomberg shows the majority expect the benchmark rate to reach 1.25 percent by the end of 2019, a quarter-point higher than in the July survey. The first move from the current 0.75 percent is forecast for the second quarter -- after the U.K.’s planned exit from the European Union -- suggesting that concerns a harsh Brexit will prevent the central bank from continuing its “limited and gradual” tightening path may be overdone.

“The difficult thing is Brexit,” said Victoria Clarke, an economist at Investec in London. “But we’re not expecting a big shock. That gives the BOE reassurance to push forward.”

The prediction for an extra rate increase comes despite criticism from people, including former BOE policy makers, who said the bank should have held off further tightening. Data since the decision showed growth slowed in July, with the dominant services sector losing momentum entirely, and wages have proved weaker than expected.

Added to that is the risk the U.K. government is unable to reach a deal with the EU that will allow Britain to transition out of the world’s largest trading bloc gradually.

What Our Economists Say...
“It may not need it, but falling inflation will give the Bank of England one reason to keep rates on hold until May. Another is Brexit. Should that unfold smoothly, the path will be clear for another hike in November next year.”

Jamie Murray, Bloomberg Economics

All nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to raise rates for the second time in less than a year at their August meeting. While Governor Mark Carney reiterated his pledge for a moderate pace of hikes, he wouldn’t rule out another increase before he steps down from the BOE in June.

Despite warning of the risks of no-deal Brexit, up to now the BOE has opted to work on the assumption that it’ll be a smooth process, which means the U.K.’s economic expansion will continue and tight labor markets and limited spare capacity will put upward pressure on prices.

Investec’s Clarke was among the majority of economists that had expected a more divided MPC vote on Aug. 2, and says the surprise unanimous decision may have persuaded some of her peers that policy makers could feel confident enough to act twice next year.

To contact the reporters on this story: Lucy Meakin in London at lmeakin1@bloomberg.net;Harumi Ichikura in London at hichikura@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Gordon at pgordon6@bloomberg.net, Brian Swint

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