M&G's Woolnough: Policymakers should hike rates this year

clock

M&G's highly-rated bond fund manager Richard Woolnough has said he would raise rates this year if it were up to him - but said such a move could present a buying opportunity.

Woolnough (pictured) said central banks could act and put interest rates up this year as the recovery globally continues, and as recovering housing markets in the UK and US put pressure on rate-setters. "If I was at the Bank of England or the Federal Reserve I probably would put rates up," he said. "The world economy is strong, and within the UK and US we think the housing markets are strong, and eventually this will put pressure on rates." Woolnough said ideally the Federal Reserve would take the lead and carry out a surprise rate hike at some point this year, creating a buying op...

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

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Lowest level in two and a half years

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 August 2025 • 4 min read
Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Government not on track to meet ‘stability rule’

Sorin Dojan
clock 06 August 2025 • 1 min read
Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

'So, Sir Keir, if you're reading, I do genuinely hope Rachel is doing okay. And my number's still the same. So, you know, call me'

Laith Khalaf
clock 25 July 2025 • 5 min read