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19/03/2002
US shows positive signs for economic growth
The US economy has shown signs of an economic turnaround after figures for the last quarter showed that GDP had risen by 2.7 per cent.
It is expected that the rise in GDP will force the US central bank to reassess its somewhat cautious and negative view of the economy. The quarterly figures also reveal consumer spending rose 1.4 per cent since the New Year and for the first time in seven months the unemployment figures fell in a calendar month.
Previous to the speculation over the rise in rates, the Federal Reserve had cut interest rates 11 times in 2001, to achieve a 40-year low of 1.75 per cent. The brighter outlook in the world's largest economy will clearly impact on America's closest European ally, the UK, and the EU. All the economic indicators seem positive as talk turns to economic recovery as Sweden's central bank became the first in western Europe to raise interest rates this year. Despite lying outside the EU, Sweden's move further points out that a general upturn in consumer confidence is not exclusive to the US or UK.
Across the Atlantic, analysts and futures speculators already believe that the Federal Reserve will adopt the official view that the economy is in 'neutral' territory rather than the persistent 'negative' assessment.
While the signs of market recovery are good, US interest rates could yet remain static for some time – with many economists are predicting May or June as the earliest likely date. In the UK, a rate rise may be inevitable though not in the short term as the underlying inflation rate fell back below the government's target in February – making Britain the lowest inflation economy in the 15-nation bloc.
The upturn for the US economy comes amid an ongoing row between the EU and America over steel tariffs. The World Trade Organisation is considering the case, but a ruling is not expected for at least a year. Meanwhile the 30 per cent tariff remains in place and it is estimated that the EU steel industry will lose out to the tune of £2 billion.
Elsewhere, a survey released in the UK by Merrill Lynch & Co, which polled 266 fund managers indicated that 93 per cent felt that interest rises were coming. However those polled felt that any key rate change could draw a halt to equity prices.
(GMcG)
It is expected that the rise in GDP will force the US central bank to reassess its somewhat cautious and negative view of the economy. The quarterly figures also reveal consumer spending rose 1.4 per cent since the New Year and for the first time in seven months the unemployment figures fell in a calendar month.
Previous to the speculation over the rise in rates, the Federal Reserve had cut interest rates 11 times in 2001, to achieve a 40-year low of 1.75 per cent. The brighter outlook in the world's largest economy will clearly impact on America's closest European ally, the UK, and the EU. All the economic indicators seem positive as talk turns to economic recovery as Sweden's central bank became the first in western Europe to raise interest rates this year. Despite lying outside the EU, Sweden's move further points out that a general upturn in consumer confidence is not exclusive to the US or UK.
Across the Atlantic, analysts and futures speculators already believe that the Federal Reserve will adopt the official view that the economy is in 'neutral' territory rather than the persistent 'negative' assessment.
While the signs of market recovery are good, US interest rates could yet remain static for some time – with many economists are predicting May or June as the earliest likely date. In the UK, a rate rise may be inevitable though not in the short term as the underlying inflation rate fell back below the government's target in February – making Britain the lowest inflation economy in the 15-nation bloc.
The upturn for the US economy comes amid an ongoing row between the EU and America over steel tariffs. The World Trade Organisation is considering the case, but a ruling is not expected for at least a year. Meanwhile the 30 per cent tariff remains in place and it is estimated that the EU steel industry will lose out to the tune of £2 billion.
Elsewhere, a survey released in the UK by Merrill Lynch & Co, which polled 266 fund managers indicated that 93 per cent felt that interest rises were coming. However those polled felt that any key rate change could draw a halt to equity prices.
(GMcG)
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03 August 2001
Eurozone holds steady on interest rates
THE European Central Bank (ECB) has held steady on interest rates following speculation that the eurozone may be able to avoid a recession in the manufacturing sector. The ECB announced its decision to maintain its interest rate at 4.
Eurozone holds steady on interest rates
THE European Central Bank (ECB) has held steady on interest rates following speculation that the eurozone may be able to avoid a recession in the manufacturing sector. The ECB announced its decision to maintain its interest rate at 4.
04 April 2002
Interest rates remain unchanged at 4 per cent
The Bank of England have announced that UK interest rates will remain unchanged at a 38-year low of four per cent following the monthly meeting of the bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The news was broadly welcomed as the UK, and Europe, continues to slowly edge out of last year's downturn.
Interest rates remain unchanged at 4 per cent
The Bank of England have announced that UK interest rates will remain unchanged at a 38-year low of four per cent following the monthly meeting of the bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). The news was broadly welcomed as the UK, and Europe, continues to slowly edge out of last year's downturn.
14 February 2002
Inflation rises but interest rates unchanged
The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have decided not to raise interest rates at its monthly meeting, despite inflation warnings from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures released by the ONS revealed an underlying inflation rate that exceeded the rates anticipated by the Bank of England.
Inflation rises but interest rates unchanged
The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have decided not to raise interest rates at its monthly meeting, despite inflation warnings from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures released by the ONS revealed an underlying inflation rate that exceeded the rates anticipated by the Bank of England.
08 August 2001
Economy slow down predicted by Bank of England
According to the latest economic analysis from the Bank of England, the UK economy will remain weak for the rest of this year. The Bank’s quarterly inflation report indicated that although the economy was expected to begin to recover in 2002 the current pressures on the euro zone economic area were intense.
Economy slow down predicted by Bank of England
According to the latest economic analysis from the Bank of England, the UK economy will remain weak for the rest of this year. The Bank’s quarterly inflation report indicated that although the economy was expected to begin to recover in 2002 the current pressures on the euro zone economic area were intense.
04 September 2001
Bank likely to leave interest rate unchanged
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England are likely to leave interest rates unchanged at 5 per cent. The Committee are due to begin their latest two-day meeting amid a spate of calls for another cut in the interest rate.
Bank likely to leave interest rate unchanged
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England are likely to leave interest rates unchanged at 5 per cent. The Committee are due to begin their latest two-day meeting amid a spate of calls for another cut in the interest rate.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
