Ward: UK GDP fall could trigger £50bn more QE in June

clock

The worse-than-expected decline in UK GDP is likely to spur the Bank of England into injecting another £50bn into the economy next month, said Henderson's Simon Ward.

The group's chief economist said the revised contraction in GDP announced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - which showed the economy had shrunk by 0.3% rather than the initial estimate of 0.2% - means another round of quantitiative easing looks likely next month. "I would expect another £50bn next month, rather than July," he said. Ward added he is surprised the Bank of England has not increased the size of the asset purchase scheme already following a string of weak economic data. "I expected them to announce something in May, but there is enough in the latest MPC minu...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

First speech since PM bid

clock 29 June 2026 • 2 min read
BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

Geopolitics in the driving seat

Michael Nelson
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read
Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Prime minister’s exit places chancellor Rachel Reeves’ position ‘inevitably’ under scrutiny

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 June 2026 • 5 min read