1221 GMT - In the face of vast uncertainty bearing down on the U.K. economy's outlook, Bank of England rate-setters have rightly chosen to tread cautiously, says Raymond James Investment Services' Jeremy Batstone-Carr in a note. "The Bank's rate setters are trapped by dual pressures of boosting the economy while still keeping the base rate sufficiently restrictive so as to curb inflation," the European strategist says. This comes amid forecasts that CPI inflation is expected to increase to 3.7% later this year, with further factors driving price pressures in the short term. "The Bank's reaffirmed commitment to tread carefully reflects the careful balance needed." (emese.bartha@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 20, 2025 08:21 ET (12:21 GMT)

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