UK inflation hits 2.1% but monetary policy remains slave to Brexit

Inflation above 2% for first this this year

clock • 2 min read

A rise in UK inflation back above the Bank of England's 2% target rate will not change the thinking of its Monetary Policy Committee with regards to interest rates, experts said on Wednesday (22 May).

The UK's consumer price index breached the target for the first time this year, rising to 2.1% in April, from 1.9% last month - a slightly more modest rise than expected. It's the first time the 2% level has been broken since December and was attributed largely to higher energy prices including electricity and gas, which jumped by 10.5% and 14.1% respectively. Many analysts think above-target inflation is here to stay, but that it is unlikely to influence the direction of interest rates with Brexit the determining issue for the time being. Thomas Wells, manager of the Smith & Willi...

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 Markets

Market Movers: UK economy fastest growing in G7 economy in Q1

Market Movers: UK economy fastest growing in G7 economy in Q1

Closely by Canada, which recorded 0.5% growth

Professional Adviser
clock 30 June 2025 • 1 min read
IFAs say Trump's tariffs are deterring clients from investing

IFAs say Trump's tariffs are deterring clients from investing

Advisers flag growing client caution amid 10% import duty

Isabel Baxter
clock 14 May 2025 • 2 min read
Advisers avoid 'knee-jerk' dismissal of US equities amid Trump's tariff shake-up

Advisers avoid 'knee-jerk' dismissal of US equities amid Trump's tariff shake-up

‘Although many market values have fallen, the fundamentals remain largely intact’

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 April 2025 • 5 min read