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Steady4 stories1 sourcesLast updated: 4/30/2026

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Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% but warns higher inflation unavoidable
Developing
Business·4/30/2026AI summary

Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% but warns higher inflation unavoidable

The Bank of England has left interest rates unchanged at 3.75% but warned that higher inflation is unavoidable due to the Middle East conflict. The MPC voted 8-1 to hold, with only chief economist Huw Pill favoring a hike to 4%. UK inflation rose to 3.3% in March. The Bank presented three scenarios: in the worst case (C), oil reaches $130/barrel, inflation peaks at 6.2% in Q1 2027, and rates would need to rise to 5.25%. Governor Andrew Bailey said the decision depends on the duration of the energy price shock.

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Guardian Business
Bank of England keeps interest rates on hold with committee split 8-1 – business live
NEWS
4/30/2026

Bank of England keeps interest rates on hold with committee split 8-1 – business live

Oil prices retreat after earlier surge to over $126 a barrel on Reuters report that the US is pressing ahead with plans for an international coalition to open the strait of HormuzVolkswagen lost more than a billion euros from US tariffs and the cost of ending production of a battery vehicle in Tennessee in response to Donald Trump’s anti-electric car policies.Germany’s biggest carmaker on Thursday reported a €500m cost of winding down production of the ID.4, an electric crossover SUV, in favour of producing a bulkier petrol SUV, the Atlas. It also said there was a €600m cost from US tariffs.The world is undergoing fundamental change – and we are aligning our strategy consistently. Wars, geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, stricter regulations, and intense competition are creating headwinds.In this environment, the planned cost reductions are not enough. We must fundamentally transform our business model and achieve structural, sustainable improvements. This includes improving the cost structure of our vehicles without compromising product substance, significantly reducing overhead costs, increasing the efficiency of our plants, and accelerating technology development and decision-making. Continue reading...

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Guardian Business
UK-EU SPS Agreement Could Boost Scottish Seafood Exports, Reduce Trade Barriers
Developing
Business·4/21/2026AI summary

UK-EU SPS Agreement Could Boost Scottish Seafood Exports, Reduce Trade Barriers

The UK and EU are close to finalising a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement to reduce Brexit trade barriers. The deal would end physical checks on farm produce and eliminate £200 veterinary certificates, while potentially removing "Not for EU" labelling requirements. It could significantly boost Scottish langoustine and oyster exports, though customs, VAT and safety declarations will still be required. The agreement involves "dynamic alignment" with EU rules, though critics argue the UK has leverage for a mutual recognition approach instead.

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Guardian Business