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.
-
Mar- 2025 -20 MarchEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4.5%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.5%, having cut the rate last month to its lowest level since June 2023. At its meeting ending on 19 March, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 8–1 to maintain the rate at…
Read More » -
7 MarchFeatures
WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -13 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/2/25
Fast-fashion giant Shein is relocating some Chinese supplier operations to Vietnam to circumvent U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, including a 10% levy on Chinese goods and the removal of a $800 de minimis exemption. Incentives for suppliers include procurement price hikes of up to 30%, alongside Vietnam’s lower…
Read More » -
13 FebruaryEconomy
Economy unexpectedly grows by 0.1% in Q4
Britain’s economy unexpectedly grew in the final quarter of 2024, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, easing pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves.Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, after zero growth the previous quarter, beating forecasts of economists and the…
Read More » -
6 FebruaryEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.5%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, the lowest level since June 2023, but warned that GDP growth has been “weaker than expected”. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 7–2 to reduce the…
Read More » -
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,…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
