- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

UK Core Inflation Unchanged in July, Brightening Economic Outlook

© REUTERS / Phil Noble/Illustration/File PhotoAn English ten Pound note is seen in an illustration taken March 16, 2016
An English ten Pound note is seen in an illustration taken March 16, 2016 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Despite the increase in consumer spending in July, UK inflation remained unchanged, easing the concerns of an imminent interest rate hike from the Bank of England (BoE); however, rising household debt and Brexit-related volatility present risks to broader economic growth.

Kristian Rouz UK’s inflation unexpectedly remained at its June levels last months despite earlier predictions of a slight uptick in consumer prices, suggesting that Brexit-related risks to Britain’s economy are gradually subsiding. Even though retail sales surpassed expectations in July, inflation remained muted, mainly due to sterling’s FX rate stability in the import-dependent economy.

Still, rising levels of consumer debt and still-rife uncertainty over the Brexit process are weighing down broader UK economic growth. The easing inflationary pressures, on the other hand, have allowed the Bank of England (BoE) to further postpone a hike in base interest rates, meaning that GDP growth projections for the third quarter are a bit brighter at this point.

Brexit - Sputnik International
Another Brexit Surprise: UK Retail Rebounds in April, Inflation Eases
UK core inflation remained at 2.6 percent in July, unchanged from the previous month, although the earlier forecasts suggested the prices index would inch up to 2.7 percent due to robust consumer spending that month.

A drop in gasoline prices held down gains in inflation, while the most prominent consumer market items, such as clothes, utilities, and food, predictably rose in price. The retail price index advanced to 3.6 percent, surpassing the forecast of 3.5 percent, because retail sales in July recorded an uptick to 0.6 percent after two months of either declines or tepid expansion.

UK consumers keep buying things despite the only modest growth in wages. The tight labor market and the abundance of jobs have helped support consumer sentiment. London’s financial sector is currently bleeding talent, with many transnational corporations moving their operations to the continent, but many jobs remain – to be filled by the local workers.

Yet, the advance in UK household debt is an alarming factor. Ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer (2007-2010) Lord Alistair Darling of the Labour Party said that the burden of the rising consumer debt is currently a lesser concern than 10 years ago because the financial system is now stronger than it was. Still, Lord Darling said, high levels of indebtedness are never good, neither for personal finance, nor for the broader economy in the longer-term.

"The lesson from 10 years ago is that something that can start as apparently a small ripple in the water can become mountainous seas very quickly," he said on BBC Radio 4's Today broadcast. "When interest rates go up, and they will go up, if not this year then certainly next year, and suddenly people find they are going to be paying more in their monthly payments, that's when you need to watch out."

Higher bank capitalization today might offset most risks associated with the climbing household debt burden, Lord Darling said.

Euro and pound banknotes are seen in front of BREXIT letters in this picture illustration taken April 28, 2017. - Sputnik International
London Wants 'Smooth' Trade With EU for Post-Brexit Transition Period
However, the heightened economic uncertainty, not least because of Brexit and the ongoing readjustments in international trade, bears the menace of an economic crash, the reasons of which might not yet be identified.

In the meantime, the BoE policymakers decided to keep borrowing costs at the ultra-low 0.25 percent for now, fueling the broadband borrowing spree. The Monetary Policy Committee reaffirmed their 2-percent inflation target, which they hope to reach within the coming years. The BoE expects the UK inflation to accelerate closer to the year-end, driven by the ongoing expansion of the consumer market.

Inflation will ease next year, the central bank said, and a hike in base borrowing costs might occur sometime in 2018 in line with the UK Cabinet’s fiscal stimulus, if such is enacted.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала