Howard Archer

Pretty healthy retail sales growth in November reinforces belief that consumer spending is picking up to some extent, and reduces read more

Pretty healthy retail sales growth in November reinforces belief that consumer spending is picking up to some extent, and reduces the case for a near-term interest rate cut.

This is still a pretty benign report overall and broadly in line with Bank of England expectations contained in the read more

This is still a pretty benign report overall and broadly in line with Bank of England expectations contained in the February Inflation Report.

It currently seems a pretty safe bet that interest rates will not change for several more months to come, if read more

It currently seems a pretty safe bet that interest rates will not change for several more months to come, if at all this year.

Nevertheless, limited core inflation in January will not deter the ECB from hiking interest rates by a further 25 basis read more

Nevertheless, limited core inflation in January will not deter the ECB from hiking interest rates by a further 25 basis points on Thursday.

In economic terms at least, Wednesday's budget seems set to be a very low key affair.

In economic terms at least, Wednesday's budget seems set to be a very low key affair.