Overview
- The Bank of England reduced its base interest rate from 4.5% to 4.25% on May 8, 2025, marking the fourth cut since August 2024.
- The Monetary Policy Committee was divided, with five members supporting the 0.25% cut, two favoring a larger 0.5% cut, and two voting to maintain the rate at 4.5%.
- The decision was influenced by Donald Trump's global trade tariffs, which are expected to dampen UK economic growth and inflation.
- Nationwide announced interest rate reductions on 63 savings products effective June 1, and experts urge savers to secure higher rates before further declines.
- Economists predict additional rate cuts in 2025, potentially lowering the base rate to around 2.75% by early 2026.