1101 GMT - Markets lower expectations of the Bank of England cutting interest rates in March due to inflation concerns given the conflict in the Middle East. Investors fear increased oil prices and higher inflation, which would make it more difficult for central banks to reduce interest rates in order to support their economies. "The prospect of a sharp rise in oil and gas prices does bring concerns around an inflationary surge," Scope Markets' Joshua Mahony says in a note. Markets price in a 68% chance of a BOE rate cut in March, down from an 83% chance priced in last week, LSEG data show. (miriam.mukuru@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 02, 2026 06:01 ET (11:01 GMT)
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