As the UK navigates a complex economic landscape marked by trade tensions, evolving monetary policy, and persistent inflationary pressures, the trajectory of interest rates remains a focal point. In 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, forecasts on UK interest rates diverge amid uncertainty surrounding global trade dynamics, domestic growth prospects, and the Bank of England’s policy response. This article delves into expert projections, weighing economic indicators and institutional forecasts to provide an outlook on where UK interest rates may be headed over the next two years.
UK Interest Rate Environment
The UK’s interest rate landscape has undergone significant transformations over the past few years. From the end of 2021 to the middle of 2023, the Bank of England (BoE) raised interest rates from the historic low of 0.1% to 5.25% the highest in UK interest rates history since 2008. The decision to elevate interest rates from near-zero levels was primarily driven by the need to counteract rising inflation, which has emerged as a considerable threat to the UK’s economic stability.
The trajectory of UK interest rates from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lows to their highs mirrored the broader effort to stabilise the economy in the face of unprecedented challenges. Initially, in response to the pandemic, borrowing costs were slashed to 0.10% in March 2020, setting a record low aimed at stimulating economic activity. However, as inflation began to surge, largely fuelled by recovering demand and supply chain disruptions, the MPC shifted its strategy towards tightening monetary policy.
By 2023, the landscape of interest rate predictions had experienced dramatic revisions. Early forecasts suggesting a rise to as high as 6.5% were recalibrated following a summer of unexpectedly positive inflation data. This adjustment set the stage for the environment, where the peak rate of 5.25% was viewed as the maximum in the hiking cycle.
By December 2024, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) adjusted the Bank Rate to 4.75%, following two 25 basis point cuts earlier in the year, starting in August.
Inflation has significantly declined from its peak of 11.1% in late 2022 to 2.3% in October 2024, nearing the Bank’s 2% target. This reduction was attributed to easing energy prices and improved supply chains. However, persistent inflation in the services sector suggested that the MPC could proceed cautiously with future rate cuts.
The UK’s economic growth showed resilience, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) upgraded its growth forecast to 1.7% for 2025. This positive outlook was partly due to increased government spending outlined in the October 2024 budget. Nonetheless, the OECD warned that the substantial fiscal measures may result in interest rates remaining higher for a longer period to manage potential inflationary pressures.
As of 2025, growing geopolitical uncertainty and the potential fallout from US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have prompted the organisation to lower its UK GDP growth forecast to 1.4% for this year and 1.2% for 2026.
By late May 2025, the Bank of England reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 4.25%.
While financial markets anticipate at least two more quarter-point rate cuts this year, persistent inflation concerns expected to remain above the 2% target into 2026 led the National Institute of Economic and Social Research to project that the Bank will likely implement only one additional cut in 2025.
The MPC continues to monitor domestic economic indicators, including wage growth and employment figures, to assess underlying inflation dynamics. The MPC’s strategy involves balancing the need to support economic growth with the imperative to prevent a resurgence of inflation. This approach is informed by the BoE’s projections, which anticipate a modest economic expansion and a gradual return of inflation to the target level over the medium term.
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UK Interest Rate Predictions: A 5-Year Analysis (2025-2029)
Looking ahead, interest rate predictions in the UK in 2025 to 2029 indicate a gradual reduction, influenced by various economic factors.
Forecasts for 2025
The BoE is anticipated to implement further cuts in 2025. Bank of England interest rate forecasts for 2025, informed by market analysts and financial institutions, suggest borrowing costs of 3.7%. This expectation aligns with the BoE’s cautious approach to monetary easing, aiming to support economic growth while keeping inflation near the 2% target. However, persistent inflationary pressures, particularly within the services sector, may necessitate a measured pace of rate reductions.
2026–2029 Outlook
Beyond 2025, interest rate predictions in the UK suggest a modest downward trajectory. While the BoE itself forecasts a stabilised rate of 3.7% in 2026 and 3.6% in 2027, financial markets’ UK base rate predictions over the next 5 years are less optimistic. As per Money To The Masses, they see 4.15% in January 2026, 4.08% in January 2027, 3.95% in January 2028, and 3.87% in January 2029.
According to economists, while the exact pace and magnitude of adjustments in this period are difficult to pinpoint, the signal is that the era of exceptionally low borrowing costs appears to be behind us.
Shifts in monetary policy are expected to be shaped by:
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Inflation Trends
Sustained alignment of inflation with the BoE’s 2% target is crucial. Any deviation could prompt adjustments in the pace of monetary policy changes.
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Economic Growth
As mentioned, OECD has upgraded the UK’s growth forecast to 1.7% for 2025, influenced by increased government spending. It sees growth slowing to 1.3% in 2026. While growth would be welcomed for the British economy, it could also lead to higher inflation, impacting monetary policy decisions.
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Fiscal Policy
Recent fiscal measures, such as increased government spending and potential tax hikes, could impact the BoE’s monetary policy decisions. The BoE may need to balance these fiscal policies with its monetary policy to achieve its inflation and growth objectives.
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Global Economic Conditions
International factors, including trade policies and global economic growth, will also play a role in shaping the UK’s monetary policy. Potential global economic disruptions could influence the BoE’s decisions.
UK Interest Rate Forecasts for 2025 and 2026
- Highest Projection for Q1 2025: Money To The Masses and 30 Rates projects rates at 4.5%.
- Lowest Projection for Q1 2025: ING forecasts 4.25%.
- Highest Projection for Q4 2025: 30 Rates predicts interest rates in 2025 will stabilise at 4.25%.
- Lowest Projection for Q4 2025: ING and Scotiabank anticipate a significant drop to 3.25%.
- Highest Projection for 2026: 30 Rates sees rates at 4.5%.
- Lowest Projection for 2026: ING predicts a fall to 3.25%.
UK Interest Rate Forecasts for 2027 and 2029
The only available projections for 2027 to 2029 are from Money To The Masses, which projects the following:
- 4.08% in January 2027.
- 3.95% in January 2028.
- 3.87% in January 2029.
The Bottom Line
Understanding UK interest rate trends is essential for navigating the financial markets. As shifts in monetary policy and economic indicators are anticipated, staying informed will be the key. For traders looking to take advantage of these changes, opening an FXOpen account offers a gateway to forex, stock, and index markets via CFDs, supported by advanced trading tools and competitive trading conditions, including low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions.
FAQ
What Are Interest Rate Forecasts for the Next 5 Years?
Interest rate predictions for the next five years depend on factors like inflation, economic growth, and central bank policies. For the next five years, including 2025, analysts forecast interest rates to further adjust, suggesting a stabilisation of around 3.25-4.25% by the end of 2025.
How to Forecasts Future Interest Rates?
Predicting future interest rates involves analysing economic indicators, central bank policies, and global economic trends. Factors like inflation, economic growth, and geopolitical events play crucial roles.
Are Interest Rates Forecasted to Go Up or Down?
Post-2024, analysts predict interest rates in the UK will trend downwards yet remain relatively restrictive compared to pre-pandemic monetary policy, settling above 3%. Interest rates in the UK in 2025 see potential stabilisation as the economy adjusts to monetary policy shifts and inflation targets are reached.
