Pay rise surprise leads to forecasts of higher interest rates

UK wages have experienced their most rapid growth in 20 years – excluding the impact of the pandemic, leading to increased expectations of a rise in interest rates. 

During the three months leading up to April, regular pay, excluding bonuses, witnessed a notable increase of 7.2%. However, it still falls behind the rate of inflation, which denotes the pace at which prices rise.

The Bank of England has expressed concerns that significant wage hikes are contributing to the persistently high inflation rates in the UK. In response, the Bank has raised interest rates 12 times since 2021, aiming to curb the escalation of prices.

While higher interest rates can be beneficial for savers, they have also led to increased repayment costs for numerous mortgage holders. The prospect of the Bank of England raising interest rates to levels higher than previously anticipated, potentially reaching 5.5% from the current rate of 4.5%, has caused instability in the mortgage market.

Lenders have been adjusting their rates and withdrawing numerous mortgage deals, creating uncertainty for borrowers. Consequently, the mortgage market has experienced fluctuations as a result.