Bank of England
This coverage analyses the Bank of England’s decisions and policies and their impact on the UK retail sector, focusing on interest rates, inflation, consumer spending, and economic forecasts. Reporting provides context on how monetary policy shapes retail performance, costs, and demand — offering insight for executives, managers, and professionals making strategic decisions in a shifting economic environment.
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Jan- 2025 -16 JanuaryEconomy
UK economy narrowly returns to growth in November
The UK economy narrowly returned to growth in November as real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.1%, largely because of a growth in services. The increase comes after two consecutive months of decline, however, real GDP is estimated to have shown no growth in the three months to November 2024,…
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15 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/1/25
Inflation in the UK unexpectedly fell to 2.5% in December, marking its first decline in three months, according to the ONS. The decrease, attributed to reduced hotel and tobacco prices despite rising fuel costs, exceeded expectations, as analysts had predicted inflation would remain steady at 2.6%. While inflation remains above…
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15 JanuaryEconomy
Inflation unexpectedly falls to 2.5% in December
The rate of Consumer Price Index inflation unexpectedly fell one percentage point to 2.5% in December, dipping for the first time in three months, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It comes as hotel prices fell and tobacco costs eased, which have been credited with helping offset a…
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Dec- 2024 -19 DecemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4.75%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.75%, following a recent hike in both inflation and wage growth. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain the current rate. Three members voted to reduce interest rates…
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18 DecemberEconomy
Inflation hits eight-month high of 2.6% in November
Inflation has risen for the second month in a row, rising to 2.6% in November, up from 2.3% the previous month, marking the highest level of inflation in eight months. According to the Office for National Statistics, the main drivers behind the rise were fuel and clothing, where prices rose this…
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Nov- 2024 -20 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-20/11/24
Ted Baker has re-entered the online retail scene with a UK-exclusive ecommerce platform following its financial collapse earlier this year. The site is operated by United Apparel and Legwear (ULAC), appointed by Authentic Brands Group, which owns the brand. European versions are in development. This marks a strategic pivot after…
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20 NovemberEconomy
Energy bills push inflation to 2.3% in October
The rising cost of energy has pushed inflation up to 2.3% in October, above consensus forecasts of 2.2%, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure is up from the 1.7% posted in September and is also above the desired level of 2% set…
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7 NovemberEconomy
Bank of England cuts interest rates to 4.75%
The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the second time this year, with rates now cut to 4.75%. The bank voted by a majority of 8–1 to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.75%. One member preferred to maintain the previous rate of 5%. It had previously…
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Oct- 2024 -16 OctoberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-16/10/24
Inflation in the UK has dropped to 1.7% in September, marking its lowest level in over three years, down from 2.2% in August. This decline, driven largely by falling airfares and petrol prices, is below the Bank of England’s 2% target, which may result in pressure to lower interest rates.…
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16 OctoberEconomy
Inflation falls to lowest rate in over three years
UK inflation fell to 1.7% in September, down from 2.2% in August, marking the lowest rate in over three years.This means inflation is now below the Bank of England’s 2% target, meaning the bank may face pressure to cut interest rates next month. According to the Office for National Statistics,…
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