Fed Holds Rates Steady as Middle East Conflict Clouds Inflation Outlook 
Paraguay Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 5.5% Amid Slowing Growth 
BOJ Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Middle East Uncertainty 
Taiwan Central Bank Expected to Hold Interest Rates Steady Through 2027 
Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns and Yen Weakness 
RBA Raises Cash Rate to 4.10% in Closest Vote Since Transparent Voting Began 
ANZ and Westpac Forecast Two RBA Rate Hikes in March and May 2026 
China Holds Benchmark Loan Prime Rate Steady for Tenth Consecutive Month 
RBA Set to Hike Rates Again Amid Inflation Surge and Global Uncertainty 
Goldman Sachs Delays Bank of England Rate Cut Forecast Amid Middle East Inflation Risks 
Goldman Sachs Raises ECB Rate Hike Forecast Amid Persistent Energy-Driven Inflation 
Fed Rate Cut Hopes Fade as Oil Prices Stoke Inflation Fears 
Bank of Japan Officials Signal Continued Interest Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Concerns 
Upcoming BoE Announcement
The BoE will also announce the Monetary Policy Report and interest rate decision on February 6, and most economists predict that they will cut the base rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%. It is important because it can positively influence economic activity if it goes unimpressive.
Expectations of Growth and Inflation
The BoE is likely to trim down its growth expectations for the UK and also see inflation rates rise in this report. The inflation rate is likely to be at 2.8% by the third quarter of 2025, which is critical since the BoE wants a target of 2%. There are opinions differing between MPC members regarding the rate-easing process, with some members wanting faster cuts and others being more cautious.
Careful Strategy Ahead
Market expectations are that the BoE is likely to maintain a cautious policy given recent shocks, such as US trade policies. For now, many expect three quarter-point cuts throughout 2025 and see a good chance of one of those on February 6. In addition, the BoE may assume future economic growth at 1%-1.5%, much like its projections for last year.
