UK interest rates cut to tackle coronavirus threat to economy
CNNLondon CNN Business — The Bank of England has slashed interest rates to a record low and launched other emergency measures as part of a dramatic and coordinated UK response to limit the economic fallout from the coronavirus. The central bank said in a statement Wednesday that while the magnitude of the shock from the coronavirus remains “highly uncertain,” economic activity is “likely to weaken materially in the United Kingdom over the coming months.” A few hours later, UK finance minister Rishi Sunak pledged to do “whatever it takes” to protect the economy. The Bank of England said that slashing its main interest rate by half a percentage point to 0.25% would “help to keep firms in business and people in jobs and help prevent a temporary disruption from causing longer-lasting economic harm.” Sunak’s fiscal stimulus included more money for the National Health Service, tax breaks for business and rule changes that will make it easier for workers to claim sick pay and benefits. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said that the measures announced by the central bank constitute a “big package” and were coordinated with those in the government’s budget to ensure the policies will have “maximum impact.” The FTSE 100 advanced in early trading in London as investors cheered the synchronized response, but the index had turned negative by early afternoon. “The Bank of England’s actions today comprise a timely and powerful package to support UK businesses and households, in order to bridge a temporarily difficult period and to mitigate any longer lasting effects on jobs, growth and the UK economy,” said Carney, whose term as governor ends on March 15.