Howard Archer

In economic terms at least, Wednesday's budget seems set to be a very low key affair.

In economic terms at least, Wednesday's budget seems set to be a very low key affair.

The evidence of marked improvement in the manufacturing sector further guarantees there will be no interest rate cut this Thursday. read more

The evidence of marked improvement in the manufacturing sector further guarantees there will be no interest rate cut this Thursday. Indeed, we admit it is looking increasingly questionable whether interest rates will be trimmed further.

Overall, the mortgage approvals and lending data indicate that the more robust housing market activity evident in the second half read more

Overall, the mortgage approvals and lending data indicate that the more robust housing market activity evident in the second half of 2005 has continued into 2006.

This is still a pretty benign report overall and broadly in line with Bank of England expectations contained in the read more

This is still a pretty benign report overall and broadly in line with Bank of England expectations contained in the February Inflation Report.

Pretty healthy retail sales growth in November reinforces belief that consumer spending is picking up to some extent, and reduces read more

Pretty healthy retail sales growth in November reinforces belief that consumer spending is picking up to some extent, and reduces the case for a near-term interest rate cut.