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 | Definition The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee consists of nine members. The Committee meets monthly, usually the first week in the month in order to determine the near-term direction of monetary policy. Changes in monetary policy are announced immediately after the meetings, but no details are available until the minutes are published two weeks later. Why do Investors Care? The Bank of England determines interest rate policy at their monetary policy meetings. The MPC is composed of the Governor, two Deputy Governors, two Bank Executive Directors, and four experts appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The MPC meets monthly (usually the first Wednesday and Thursday of the month) to determine interest rate policy. Unlike the Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, or the European Central Bank, the Bank of England has an established fixed inflation target of 2.5 percent. Because interest rate decisions affect market interest rates, to varying degrees, the Bank's measure of inflation is the retail price index less mortgage interest payments (RPIX). As in the United States, market participants speculate about the possibility of an interest rate change at these meetings. If the outcome is different from expectations, the impact on British markets -- and to some extent in Europe -- can be dramatic and far-reaching. The interest rate set by the Bank of England, serves as a benchmark for all other rates. A change in the rate translates directly through to all other interest rates from gilts (fixed interest government securities named after the paper on which they were once printed) to mortgage loans. The level of interest rates affects the economy. Higher interest rates tend to slow economic activity; lower interest rates stimulate economic activity. Either way, interest rates influence the sales environment. In the consumer sector, few homes or cars will be purchased when interest rates rise. Furthermore, interest rate costs are a significant factor for many businesses, particularly for companies with high debt loads or who have to finance high inventory levels. This interest cost has a direct impact on corporate profits. The bottom line is that higher interest rates are bearish for the stock market, while lower interest rates are bullish. | |