The looming interest rate rise: how it will affect you
The longest period in living memory without a Bank of England rate rise is expected to end on Thursday, when the base rate is likely to increase by 0.25% to 0.5%. The percentage rise is small, but the worry for homebuyers with jumbo mortgages is that it could be the start of a number of increases that could make their loans unaffordable. However, for people with savings who have suffered near-invisible returns on their money, is this the light at the end of the tunnel?
This week's GDP figures, showing a slightly better performance by the economy than anticipated, has made the likelihood of an interest rate rise on 2 November almost a slam dunk, according to City experts. About 80% of market watchers are saying an increase is inevitable, although there are voices calling for the Bank to maintain rates at their historic low.
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