KPMG comments on today’s interest rate decision - Aug 2023

“The MPC decision paves the way for a potential policy exit” says Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG UK.

“The MPC decision paves the way for a potential policy exit” says Yael Selfin


“The MPC decision paves the way for a potential policy exit” says Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG UK.

 “As the Bank mulls over the possibility of bringing the tightening cycle to a close, households and businesses may soon be able to welcome more clarity on the outlook for interest rates. This could unlock some pent-up demand for business transactions which has lately been clouded by uncertainty, as well as bring more stability to the volatile mortgage market.

“However, we are yet to see the full impact of significantly higher borrowing costs on economic activity and inflation. Moreover, the ongoing process of selling the Bank’s holdings of government bonds back to the market could further tighten financial conditions by putting upward pressure on yields.

“The Bank’s updated projections show GDP growth lower in the medium term, driven in part by the market path for interest rates being well above the levels expected in May. Although interest rates may already be near their peak – with a possibility of another hike next month – making the future trajectory of both inflation and GDP potentially higher. Nevertheless, it remains possible that a greater persistence of inflation will not see a policy reversal this soon.”

-ENDS-  

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Notes to Editors:  

About KPMG UK

KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, operates from 20 offices across the UK with approximately 17,000 partners and staff. The UK firm recorded a revenue of £2.72 billion in the year ended 30 September 2022.  

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Legal, Tax and Advisory services. It operates in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients. 

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