Bank of England survey finds UK businesses expect higher price rises and slower wage growth
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 24
Bank of England survey finds UK businesses expect higher price rises and slower wage growth
4 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 24
The April survey of 2,030 CFOs shows businesses expect prices to rise 3.8% and wages 3.4% over the next year, amid persistent energy price concerns following Middle East conflict.
Price expectations have increased from March, while wage growth expectations have cooled slightly. Most businesses report little direct output impact from the conflict, but energy-driven inflation remains a key concern for policymakers.
With 80% of 2026 pay deals agreed at an average 3.5% increase, the Bank of England will closely monitor wage trends as it prepares to set interest rates, aiming to contain inflation near its 2% target.
With wages falling behind prices, is the UK facing its worst stagflation crisis in decades?
Could falling confidence and a weak job market actually curb inflation faster than the BOE expects?
Businesses plan price hikes but wage freezes. Is this profit protection or a recipe for recession?
Can the Bank of England control inflation when its cause is a global oil supply shock?
Will the government's clean energy plan lower bills or make the UK's inflation problem worse?
How will the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz permanently reshape global trade and energy?