The Bank of England is widely expected to cut interest rates for the third time in six months later Thursday, even though inflation remains above its target. Most economists think the nine-member Monetary Policy Committee will lower the bank's main interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.

New growth and inflation projections are due to be unveiled later alongside the Bank of England’s latest interest rates decision. The base rate is set to fall from 4.75% to 4.5%, in keeping with the central bank’s current once-a-quarter approach to loosening monetary policy.

The base rate peaked at 5.25% in late 2023, but policymakers reduced it to 4.75% throughout the following months. The Bank of England typically raises interest rates when inflation is high to curb spending and slow price increases.