1540 GMT - The Bank of England is likely to remain noncommittal about the timing of future interest-rate cuts at its meeting on Thursday, when it is expected to leave rates unchanged, Barclays Private Bank's Julien Lafargue. However, the combination of lower inflation ahead and softening of the U.K.'s labor market should reinforce the bank's view that the path for monetary policy is toward a lower rate, the chief market strategist says in a note. That cut could come as soon as next month, Lafargue says. On the back of the government budget, the inflation outlook looks more benign, at least in the short-term, he says. (edward.frankl@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 04, 2026 10:40 ET (15:40 GMT)

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