BOJ Holds Interest Rates at 0.75% as Policymakers Signal Growing Inflation Concerns 
Kevin Warsh Advances Toward Fed Chair Role Amid Political Tensions 
DOJ Ends Probe Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Boosting Kevin Warsh Confirmation Prospects 
Eurozone Recession Risks Rise as Middle East Conflict Threatens Growth, ECB Official Warns 
Bank of England Set to Hold Interest Rates as Inflation Risks and Iran War Impact Loom 
Japan Inflation Expectations Rise as BOJ Rate Hike Timing Faces Uncertainty 
South Korea Central Bank Signals Cautious Policy Amid Inflation and Middle East Tensions 
BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda Hints at Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
ECB Rate Outlook: Ceasefire Eases Pressure but Hikes Still Expected in 2026 
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.
