base rate

Expectation that US interest rates will be cut has seen the UK pound hit its highest level against the US dollar in over a quarter of a century.

The Bank of England misled the public in a bid to justify five base rate jumps in under a year, property investment firm Assetz claims.

Confirmation interest rates are likely to hit 6% before dropping has sparked angry protests across the industry.

The Bank of England today maintained interest rates at 5.75% calming, at least for the time being, fears of yet another increase.

Recent base rate jumps have yet to filter through to the UK consumer so their impact hasn't hit home, according to a bond manager.

While base rates appear more competitive then six years ago, mortagage deals are not primarily as a result of inflated fees, according to money search engine Moneyfacts.

The Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates has not dampened anticipation among investors there will be another hike before the end of 2007, according to Barclays Stockbrokers.

Buy-to-let advisers will benefit from the changing interest rate environment as landlords seek to refinance their portfolios and keep them as cost effective as possible.

Soaring interest rates are forcing struggling first-time buyers to spend a higher proportion of their income on mortgage interest payments.

More than £100bn worth of fixed rate mortgages are set to come to an end this year, pushing up their mortgage repayment costs.