XTB analyst Kathleen Brooks says the Bank of England is likely to hold rates at 3.75% today but may signal a November hike. Brooks argues a move this week would be futile because inflation is being driven by global oil prices beyond the Bank's control. Governor Bailey has warned continued oil gains and drought-driven food costs could push inflation above 4% this year. Brooks said a US-Iran peace deal would be the only near-term development likely to avert UK rate increases in the coming months.

2026-09-17

XTB analyst Kathleen Brooks says the Bank of England is likely to hold rates at 3.75% today but may signal a November hike. Brooks argues a move this week would be futile because inflation is being driven by global oil prices beyond the Bank's control. Governor Bailey has warned continued oil gains and drought-driven food costs could push inflation above 4% this year. Brooks said a US-Iran peace deal would be the only near-term development likely to avert UK rate increases in the coming months.