Brexit economy: rate rise looms amid signs of slowdown

The latest monthly Guardian analysis finds weak growth as fears rise of hard Brexit
" How has the Brexit vote affected the UK economy? July verdict
" 'The UK's discomfort will continue as Brexit uncertainty persists'

The Bank of England is considering raising interest rates even though the UK economy is showing signs of weakening, and there are mounting signs of danger from a hard Brexit, according to a Guardian analysis of economic developments over the past month.

The Bank's interest rate setting committee meets next week to consider lifting the cost of borrowing above the level set since the financial crisis. But Threadneedle Street is being warned to consider the risks from a surprise slowdown in consumer spending, weak wage growth across the country and fading inflationary pressures. There are also developing problems from Donald Trump's import tariffs affecting industrial production and the prospect of an acrimonious withdrawal from the EU harming business investment and jobs in the UK.

Related: 'The UK's discomfort will continue as Brexit uncertainty persists'

Related: How has the Brexit vote affected the UK economy? July verdict