The Bank of England is expected to raise interest rates from 5.25% to 5.5%, potentially marking the end of a tightening cycle
A majority of economists (64 out of 65) predict the rate hike, while financial markets are less certain, with a 25% chance of a pause
Goldman Sachs and Citi also anticipate that this rate hike will be the last from the Bank of England
If the rate reaches 5.5%, it would be the fourth-largest tightening cycle in the last century for Britain
Previous sharp rate increases in the UK were accompanied by recessions, and concerns about an economic downturn are on the minds of policymakers
Recent economic data, including a drop in economic output and higher-than-expected unemployment, has hinted at a potential slowdown
Inflation in the UK remains high compared to other advanced economies, and strong wage growth poses inflationary risks
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may have dissenting opinions on the rate hike due to the uncertain nature of the economic cycle
Inflation figures for August are expected to rise, potentially influencing the MPC's decision
The MPC's language and any shifts in opinion could impact financial markets, and a speech by MPC member Catherine Mann suggests internal discussions about a rate pause