Deflation Puts Off Interest Rate Rise

A deflationary environment in the UK may provide a boost to real returns, but lack of inflation means no interest rate rise for savers

Emma Wall 13 October, 2015 | 12:13PM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

UK inflation turned negative again in September, the Office of National Statistics has revealed. This may seem like good news for savers and investors – who now have a lower benchmark to beat in order to secure a real rate of return – but the news that the UK is in a deflationary environments puts off any interest rate rise.

Data from the ONS showed that consumer prices dropped 0.1% year-on-year in September, after staying flat in August. Economists had expected prices to remain flat. Consumer prices last declined in April.

“The usual suspect of falling fuel costs, coupled with smaller-than-usual increases in clothing prices pushed the UK inflation rate back into negative territory in September, once again putting no pressure on the Bank of England to lift interest rates,” said Ben Brettell, Senior Economist at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Peter Cameron, at EdenTree Investment Management said that although wage pressures are emerging and the impact of the falling oil price will soon start to drop out of the numbers, a rate hike would have a deflationary effect by pushing up sterling.

“At a time when the European Central Bank is signalling it is ready to expand quantitative easing and the Fed is likely to delay its own rate lift-off into 2016, the Bank will be fearful of allowing sterling to appreciate too much,” he concluded.

No Respite for Savers

Figures announced tomorrow are expected to show wage inflation at 3.1%. This coupled with a falling cost of living provides a boon to the UK consumer – more cash in everyone’s pockets.

But with interest rates so low there is little incentive to save this extra cash for a rainy day. It has been six and a half years since Base Rate was dropped to 0.5%, and the savings ratio reflects this. Today, households are saving nearly half of what they were before the credit crisis.

House Price Rally Slows

Separate data showed that the UK house price index climbed 5.2% year-on-year, the same rate as in July. Economists had forecast a 5% increase. The latest rise was the smallest since September 2013, when prices grew 3.8%. 

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Emma Wall  is former Senior International Editor for Morningstar

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures