Finance
Sterling edges up as focus shifts to data, BoE rate outlook
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 22, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Summary
Sterling rose against major currencies as economic data shifted focus to the BoE rate outlook. UK inflation and employment data impact future rate decisions.
Pound Rises as Economic Data and BoE Rate Outlook Take Center Stage
Economic Data and Currency Movements
By Stefano Rebaudo
Impact of Inflation on Sterling
Jan 22 (Reuters) - Sterling edged up against both the euro and the U.S. dollar after recent economic data painted a mixed picture, bringing the Bank of England rate outlook back into focus.
Bank of England's Rate Decisions
Investor attention shifted to the state of the economy after geopolitics dominated earlier in the week, as the prospect of a U.S.-Europe trade war unsettled markets.
Sterling traded at $1.3414, up 0.12%, after showing little reaction to Wednesday's inflation report.
The U.S. dollar held on to overnight gains after President Donald Trump withdrew a threat to impose tariffs on several European NATO countries over Greenland.
Earlier this week data showed Britain's jobs market weakened, potentially easing the BoE's worries about persistent inflation pressures.
"Despite the uptick in the consumer price index, we still see Bank Rate on a downward direction," said Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist at Deutsche Bank, adding the bank is sticking for now to its call for two additional rate cuts.
"However, we see risks as skewed to slower easing in the first half of 2026," he added.
The pound held steady on Wednesday, after data showed UK inflation picked up more than expected in December.
"UK employment data for November and December were weak, confirming the recent labour market slowdown, and December consumer price data was mixed, but on the cool side," said Felix Vezina Poirier, chief strategist at BCA Research.
"More Bank of England cuts will be required, with barely two 25 bps cuts priced by year-end," he added, arguing that further weak data could bring an April cut into focus.
Morgan Stanley expects the BoE to deliver its next interest rate cut in March.
The euro was down 0.05% at 86.96 pence, after hitting 87.45 pence on Wednesday, its highest level this year.
The single currency rose 0.63% against the pound on Tuesday in its biggest daily rise since early August.
Britain's government borrowed less than expected in December, helped by robust growth in tax receipts, according to data on Thursday.
(reporting by Stefano Rebaudo; Editing by Jan Harvey)
Key Takeaways
- •Sterling increased against the euro and U.S. dollar.
- •Economic data has brought BoE rate outlook into focus.
- •UK employment data showed signs of weakening.
- •Inflation picked up more than expected in December.
- •Potential for further BoE interest rate cuts in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sterling edges up as focus shifts to data, BoE rate outlook
1What is the Bank of England?
The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom, responsible for issuing currency, maintaining monetary stability, and overseeing the financial system.
2What is inflation?
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power. It is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
3What is the consumer price index?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services, serving as an indicator of inflation.
4What are interest rates?
Interest rates are the amount charged by lenders to borrowers for the use of money, typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount borrowed.
