Bank of England holds interest rates firm after UK inflation boost
18 June 2026 at 12:31
The base rate has remained at 3.75 per cent since just before Christmas last year

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The base rate has remained at 3.75 per cent since just before Christmas last year

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The Monetary Policy Committee cut rates four times last year but 2026 is far more uncertain

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The Office for National Statistics said vacancies tumbled by 19,000 to 707,000 in the three months to May


Swap rates have been heading downward and more lenders could now reduce their rates

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The German supermarket has consistently ranked top of the cheapest shops this year

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The figures come as a surprise to most economists who had expected the data to show a rise to 3 per cent

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The base rate has been at 3.75 per cent since December 2025

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