Rates held at 0.5%; Quant easing to continue

Quantitative easing will also be continued, with a total of £125bn being committed to the monetary system. Last month, while interest rates were held, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), did promise a further £50bn in quantitative easing measures. A number of positive economic trends in recent days, including rising house prices and signs the service sector is seeing improved business volumes, may have contributed to the MPC's decision to freeze rates. The Bank will continue its current quantitative easing programme, and expects it to be completed within two months. john.bakie@inci...