Monday, October 18, 2021

Bank of England Will Have to Act to Curb Inflation, Says Bailey

THE GUARDIAN: Governor signals central bank is preparing to raise interest rates amid surge in energy prices

The Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey, said he continued to believe the recent jump in inflation would be temporary. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

The governor of the Bank of England has warned it will “have to act” to curb rising inflation, sending a new signal that it is gearing up to raise interest rates.

Andrew Bailey said he continued to believe the recent jump in inflation would be temporary, but he predicted a surge in energy prices would push it higher and make its climb last longer, increasing the risk of higher inflation expectations.

“Monetary policy cannot solve supply-side problems – but it will have to act and must do so if we see a risk, particularly to medium-term inflation and to medium-term inflation expectations,” Bailey said on Sunday during an online panel discussion organised by the Group of 30 consultative group. » | Guardian staff and agency | Monday, October 18, 2021