MPC

A number of economists predict the Monetary Policy Committee will raise interest rates in August this year, to curb rising inflation.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was again divided six-three against a rate rise earlier this month, minutes from the April meeting reveal.

M&G's bond manager Jim Leaviss has clashed with Artemis' James Foster over whether the MPC should raise interest rates.

The Bank of England is likely to maintain its current monetary stance and keep interest rates at their historic low today after a new report suggested the UK's economic recovery remains sluggish.

Ministers are to outline plans for a universal state pension which they say will help people currently working prepare for a "different sort of world" in retirement.

The governor of the Bank of England has warned inflation could top 5% because of rising inflation expectations and higher commodity prices.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) are split 6-3 against a rate rise for the second month, with opinion divided on how to tackle soaring inflation without snuffing out growth.

Andrew Sentance has predicted inflation could rise above 5% this year and repeated his calls for a gradual increase in interest rates and cutting off of monetary stimulus.

Expectations the Bank of England (BoE) and European Central Bank (ECB) will raise interest rates in the second quarter of 2011 have risen dramatically, a new survey of fund managers shows.

Dr. Paul Fisher, executive director for markets at the Bank of England, has been appointed chairman of the ifs School of Finance.