In the UK, interest rates are set by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), a group of nine central bankers who meet eight times a year to decide on any changes to the official interest rate. The main objective of the Committee is to use the interest rate as the main tool in keeping inflation under control, and as close as possible to their target of 2%.

With the UK economy struggling in 2019, only narrowly avoiding a recession after 0.3% growth in the third quarter, the MPC is considering reducing the official interest rate in an attempt to stimulate aggregate demand and build some positive momentum in the UK economy.

Currently 0.75%, the cut will likely reduce the interest rate to 0.5%, a return to the July 2018 value when the economy was somewhat more stable after six months of continued positive economic growth.

Think like an Economist!

Q1. What is meant by the term monetary policy?

Q2. Explain one negative impact of high inflation.

Q3. Explain one reason why lowering the interest rate will stimulate AD in the UK

Q4. Assess the impact that lowering the interest rate will have on the UK economy.

Click here for source article

TheCuriousEconomist

Recent Posts

China’s Economy Grows 5.4% — But Can It Withstand Trump’s Tariff Tsunami?

China’s economy started 2025 with stronger-than-expected momentum, growing by 5.4% in Q1—comfortably above forecasts of…

5 days ago

U.K. Government Seizes Control of British Steel Plant

It’s a dramatic move—but one the U.K. government believes is essential for national economic security.…

2 weeks ago

U.S. Tariffs on China Surge Past 100% as Trump Escalates Trade War – but why?

A new chapter in the U.S.-China trade war is unfolding—and it’s one that economists fear…

2 weeks ago

Can Defense and Housing Turn the Tide on Sluggish GDP Growth in the UK?

The U.K. economy is still stuck in low gear. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)…

4 weeks ago

PepsiCo Plans $1.95 Billion Poppi Acquisition

PepsiCo is planning to acquire prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, marking a major…

1 month ago

South Africa Unveils $54.5 Billion Infrastructure Plan to Boost Growth

South Africa has announced a three-year, 1 trillion rand ($54.5 billion) public infrastructure plan aimed…

1 month ago