The Shadow chancellor said an interest rate reduction is 'inevitable' but commentators are at odds about how much.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said an interest rate reduction is 'inevitable' but the level of such a cut is being widely debated by commentators.
Speaking to Radio 4's Today Programme he said“a small cut is almost inevitable" and backed formerMonetary Policy Committee memberDanny Blanchflower’s call for a VAT cut to further stimulate the economy.
McDonnell said: "It’s a very creative idea - we need a stimulus like that.
"I want to see the government now looking at its investment stratetegy
"The Chancellor, has said he’s not going reset the government’s fiscal rule or its economic strategy until the Autumn. And I think that’s too late. We need action now!"
But Blanchflower was less than impressed by either of the main political parties plans for the economy. He took to twitter and said:
just did an interview on @BBCr4today on mpc actions & my concerns as no credible economic policy coming from either party as economy slows
— Danny Blanchflower (@D_Blanchflower) August 4, 2016
Cut predictions
Banks and investment firms have differing opinions on the depth of any cut.
Investment bank JP Morgan andonline financial analysis 4Cast are predicting a 0.5% rate cut dropping the rate to zero - the lowest level ever in the Bank of England's 300 year history.
MeanwhileBayernLB, Julius Baer and SEB are predicting that there will beno change and that the rate will continue at 0.5% for the 89th successive month.
