Bank of England Signals a Slower Path on Rate Cuts Amid Sticky Inflation

The Bank of England (BoE) is preparing to slow the pace of rate cuts, warning that stubborn inflation and persistent wage growth continue to challenge its roadmap toward policy normalization.

Policy Recalibration

After several months of easing designed to support slowing growth, the BoE’s latest statements hint at a more cautious phase ahead. Governor Andrew Bailey emphasized that while inflation has retreated from its double digit peaks, it remains above the 2% target, and the central bank must avoid “cutting too far, too fast.”

Recent data shows core inflation which excludes volatile food and energy prices is proving sticky, especially in the services sector.

Wage growth has also remained firm, complicating the bank’s efforts to cool demand without triggering a deeper slowdown.

Market Reaction

Sterling saw modest gains following the announcement, as traders scaled back bets on aggressive easing. Bond markets also adjusted, with yields ticking higher across short and medium maturities, reflecting expectations that policy flexibility will remain limited through early 2026.

Equities, however, took the news in stride, with financials outperforming on the prospect of sustained profitability under higher rates.

Analyst View

“The BoE is trapped between progress and persistence,” said one economist at Barclays. “They’ve done enough to avoid recession, but not enough to declare victory on inflation. It’s a fine balance and they know it.”

Global investors see the UK’s stance as a bellwether for other central banks navigating post-hike uncertainty, particularly the ECB and the Bank of Canada.

The Bank of England’s new tone marks a shift from confidence to caution. Rate cuts aren’t over they’re just entering a slower, more data dependent phase.

For markets, it’s another sign that the easy money era isn’t returning anytime soon.