UK Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

July 31, 2026 robomacro.com

BoE Holds Rate With Hawkish Tilt

Market Snapshot

AssetLevelChange
FTSE 10010,886.43-0.20%
FTSE 25024,079.10+0.34%
GBP/USD1.35+0.64%
GBP/EUR1.17+0.19%
GBP/JPY215.93-1.08%
Brent Crude87.40-1.83%
Gold4,140.10+0.98%
UK Nat Gas2.78+0.62%
Bitcoin64,313.31+0.63%
UK 2Y Gilt--
UK 10Y Gilt4.80%-2.95%

Prior Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Actual
CBI Distributive Trades-54-45-26
BoE Consumer Credit1,723m1,700m1,807m
Mortgage Approvals56,57057,10058,200
Mortgage Lending Level3,270m3,950m7,730m
BoE Interest Rate Decision3.753.753.75
BoE MPC Vote Cut0-0
BoE MPC Vote Hike2-3
BoE MPC Vote Unchanged7-6
BoE Monetary Policy Report---
MPC Meeting Minutes---
GBP/USD (3mo)GBP/USD (3mo) | Type: market_hloc | Rate: 1.345 (2026-07-31) | Range: 1.317–1.36 | Trend(6pt): 1.349,1.343,1.345,1.34,1.329,1.345

Today's Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Time
No events available
  • BoE maintains Bank Rate at 3.75% with three members voting to hike
  • Stronger-than-expected mortgage lending and consumer credit data released
  • UK 10Y gilt yield falls to 4.80% as markets digest policy signals

Yesterday's Recap

The Bank of England kept the policy rate at 3.75% on 30 July, with the MPC recording six votes to hold, three to hike and none to cut. Consumer credit rose to £1.807bn against a £1.7bn consensus while mortgage approvals reached 58,200, above the 57,100 expected. Mortgage lending jumped to £7.73bn, far exceeding forecasts.

Nationwide house prices rose 0.1% month-on-month and 1.8% year-on-year. The FTSE 100 fell 0.20% to 10,886.43 while the FTSE 250 gained 0.34%. Sterling strengthened 0.64% against the dollar to 1.35 and the 10Y gilt yield declined 2.95% to 4.80%.

The Monetary Policy Report and minutes highlighted risks of persistent inflation pressures.

The Day Ahead

No major UK data releases are scheduled for 31 July. Attention turns to US PCE inflation later in the day, which could influence sterling crosses and gilt curves. Market participants will monitor any follow-up comments from MPC members on the latest vote split.

OIS pricing continues to embed limited easing through year-end. Housing and credit data from yesterday are expected to support views of resilient domestic demand. Sterling volatility may increase on global risk sentiment.

Other Economic Notes

UK unemployment stands at 4.90% while CPI inflation prints at 2.60% year-on-year, indicating sticky underlying price pressures. Stronger mortgage and consumer credit figures point to continued household borrowing despite elevated borrowing costs. The 10Y gilt yield at 4.94% reflects market caution over the BoE’s willingness to tolerate above-target inflation.

Broader fiscal rules reiterated by the Chancellor remain a key anchor for gilt supply expectations. Services inflation persistence continues to limit the scope for near-term rate cuts.

Global Macro News

US-Iran missile exchanges raised geopolitical risk premia and supported safe-haven flows into gold, which rose 0.98%. China expressed serious concern over new US trade restrictions, adding uncertainty to global supply chains that could affect UK import prices. Brent crude fell 1.83% to $87.40 on softer demand signals.

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UK Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

July 31, 2026 robomacro.com
FTSE 100 (3mo) FTSE 100 (3mo) | Type: market_hloc | Price: 1.09e+04 (2026-07-30) | Range: 1.02e+04–1.091e+04 | Trend(5pt): 1.038e+04,1.049e+04,1.051e+04,1.047e+04,1.09e+04
Brent Crude (3mo) Brent Crude (3mo) | Type: market_hloc | Price (USD): 87.4 (2026-07-31) | Range: 71.57–114.4 | Trend(5pt): 114,103.5,78.96,76.01,87.4
Gold (3mo) Gold (3mo) | Type: market_hloc | Price (USD): 4139 (2026-07-31) | Range: 3986–4720 | Trend(5pt): 4615,4521,4331,4104,4139

Global Macro News (continued)

The naira stabilised after CBN reforms, indirectly supporting emerging-market sentiment relevant to UK banks. Tariff-related redirection of trade flows was flagged by Governor Bailey as a potential downward influence on UK goods prices. Global equity markets showed mixed reactions to the US-Iran developments, with limited spillover into FTSE indices.

BoE Watch

The Monetary Policy Summary stressed that rates could rise if energy shocks from Middle East tensions prove persistent. Governor Bailey noted that tariffs might redirect trade and exert downward pressure on UK goods prices. The committee’s forward guidance continues to emphasise data dependence rather than a predetermined easing path.

Markets now price a first cut no earlier than mid-2027 following the three hawkish dissents. The July Monetary Policy Report highlighted upside risks to inflation from services and housing. Quantitative tightening proceeds as scheduled with no adjustment signalled in the minutes.

Sterling’s 0.64% gain versus the dollar reflected the hawkish tilt in the vote split.

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