Howard Archer

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.

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.

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.

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.

This underpins our belief that the Bank of England is too optimistic on the growth outlook and will eventually end read more

This underpins our belief that the Bank of England is too optimistic on the growth outlook and will eventually end up trimming interest rates by a further 25 basis points.