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.

Overall, the mortgage approvals and lending data indicate that the more robust housing market activity evident in the second half read more

Overall, the mortgage approvals and lending data indicate that the more robust housing market activity evident in the second half of 2005 has continued into 2006.

House prices are likely to remain relatively flat for an extended period,

House prices are likely to remain relatively flat for an extended period,

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.

The evidence of marked improvement in the manufacturing sector further guarantees there will be no interest rate cut this Thursday. read more

The evidence of marked improvement in the manufacturing sector further guarantees there will be no interest rate cut this Thursday. Indeed, we admit it is looking increasingly questionable whether interest rates will be trimmed further.