Bank of England and European Central Bank live coverage

Less than 24 hours after the hawkish shift from the Federal Reserve, two additional central banks release their decisions at the same time. Join our live coverage of both critical events from 11:45 GMT. Background information is below.

ECB press conference

 

Live comments

BOE: After abandoning intentions to raise rates in November – dubbed a "close call" – there is high uncertainty about the next move by Governor Andrew Bailey and his colleagues. On the one hand, inflation has leaped to 5.1% YoY, but on the other, the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly in Britain.

Elevated uncertainty means high volatility, in the aftermath of any decision. Apart from the decision, the Monetary Policy Committee's vote is also critical. Two members dissented from the majority and voted for a hike last time. Full preview

ECB: The Frankfurt-based institution is also facing higher inflation than usual – albeit more transitory then elsewhere – and rising covid cases. The bank's PEPP bond-buying program expires in March and investors expect an increase in the pre-pandemic APP program.

However, the ECB could also "kick the can down the road" and wait until 2022 to decide. President Christine Lagarde delivers a press conference, in which she will present new economic forecasts. Full preview