Jobs market bounce-back sees rate hike speculation mount Financial markets have been pricing in an increased chance that the Bank of England will hike rates before the end of this year. UK consumer confidence slides as inflation worry mounts: Bank of AmericaBritish consumer morale has fallen to its lowest since February, when the country was under heavy COVID-19 restrictions, due to worries about the economic outlook and about rising prices, a Bank of America report showed on Friday. Markets pencil in UK interest rate rise in days before ChristmasForecasts of early increase come as series of indicators show strains on industry and big fall in consumer confidence UK business minister defends wages stance, says BoE can handle inflationThe British government is right to focus on driving up wages, business minister Kwasi Kwarteng said on Sunday, expressing confidence in the Bank of England's ability to curb rising inflation. Ex-chancellor says productivity must accompany wage rises - Politics.co.ukEx-chancellor Lord Lamont has said productivity must accompany any wage rises and that and that the Bank of England must change its quantitative easing policy to ease the risks associated with inflation. The former Conservative MP for Kingston-upon Thames Ex-chancellor Lamont issues inflation warning and calls for interest rates hikeLord Lamont said the Government’s policy of calling for wages to go up could drive up inflation. High inflation will last longer than expected, predicts BankInflation is rising faster than expected and will last for longer than anticipated, the Bank of England’s new chief economist has said Bank of England chief economist warns high inflation rates may persist in 2022Huw Pill says inflationary pressures still likely to be temporary and will fall back after disruptions of Covid and Brexit