Inflation and interest rates

Find out about inflation and how it is linked to interest rates.

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What is inflation?

Inflation is the term we use to describe rising prices. How quickly prices go up is called the rate of inflation.

When will we get back to low inflation?

Inflation could fall to our 2% target in the next few months, before rising slightly again. We will keep interest rates high for long enough, so inflation settles at 2%.

What are interest rates?

Interest is the cost of borrowing money or the reward for saving.

Build your knowledge on inflation and interest rates

 

Why have interest rates gone up over the past two years?

We are setting interest rates to make sure inflation returns to normal

How do higher interest rates help to lower inflation?

Interest rates and inflation are closely linked. Higher rates will help to bring down inflation. But how exactly?

How have prices changed over time?

The prices of some things we buy have gone up over time. But for others, prices have gone down!

Why is your mortgage rate higher than Bank Rate?

The interest rate on your mortgage is usually much higher than Bank Rate.

What are negative interest rates, and how would they affect me?

In some countries, interest rates are negative (below zero). Why is that and what would it mean if that happened in the UK?

What is deflation?

Falling prices aren’t always the bargain you would hope.

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Other topics

Learn about the economy

Money, payments and spending

Banks, borrowing and saving

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