UK: BoE maintains 0.5% rate and £375B QE

The MPC decided to keep the key rate at 0.5% and the asset purchases at £375B, as expected by investors, in the meeting of February 7. “The MPC continues to judge that the UK economy is set for a slow but sustained recovery in both demand and effective supply, aided by a further easing in credit conditions – supported by the Bank’s programme of asset purchases and the Funding for Lending Scheme – and some improvement in the global environment”, said the statement, eyeing risks to the downside, not least because of the challenges facing the euro area. 

“The £6.6 billion cash flow comprises the redemption payment on the gilt, as well as the cash flow resulting from the indemnity provided by HM Treasury to the Bank of England in order to cover any difference between the redemption payment and the original amount invested”, added the official statement.