BoE Minutes suggest wait-and-see approach

The MPC voted unanimously to keep rates (0.5%) and the amount of assets purchases (L375B) stable. Coming after an increase in asset purchases decided at the July meeting, no new action was expected. That might be different at the November meeting when the current batch of asset purchases is finished and the Bank disposes of new inflation forecasts. The Minutes nevertheless showed a variety of opinions on future policy. One member wanted immediate action, while some other thought that it was more likely than not that more accommodation would be needed in the future. Others thought that increased inflation expectations lessened the need for more easing. The Minutes show that inflation falls slower than expected, judged the eco news as mixed and evaluated the first results of its funding for lending scheme as promising. Indeed, banks participating in the scheme lowered the interest rate they charged for lending, which might support credit to the real economy. They will follow with interest further developments on this item, which might at some point eventually enter the debate on the need for more QE.