1239 GMT - An interest-rate cut at the Bank of England's next meeting in March looks highly possible after Thursday's narrow vote to leave rates unchanged, Aberdeen's Luke Bartholomew says in a note. The BOE voted 5-4 to hold rates at 3.75% with four preferring a 25 basis points cut. The decision was much closer than expected with a solid minority that could continue to push for cuts, he says. BOE Governor Andrew Bailey should remain the swing vote in determining the rate path, he says. "As long as inflation moderates further over coming months, we continue to expect he will swing behind further cuts in the not too distant future. Aberdeen expects rates to fall to 3.00% later this year. (renae.dyer@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 05, 2026 07:39 ET (12:39 GMT)

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