FTSE 100 down as interest rate call set to be closer than previously thought

Sign up for our email featuring expert insight and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice .

Stock prices in London closed mostly lower on Friday, after positive news for European trade with China and hawkish comments by a US Federal Reserve officer.

In the UK, softer inflation data means the Bank of England’s interest rate call on Thursday next week is more finely balanced than previously thought.

A hold is broadly expected but the vote is expected to be close, and a quarter-point cut is far from ruled out.

With “dovish” Monetary Policy Committee members Swati Dhingra and Alan Taylor expected to vote for a cut, the outcome will likely depend on the deci