The Bank of England is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged after official figures showed Inflation in the U.K. holding steady at an annual rate of 2.2% in August, with higher airfares offset by lower fuel costs and restaurant and hotel bills.

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as money markets indicate just a 20% chance of a UK interest rate cut today. FTSE 100 hits two-week high 11:40 Stocks are pushing higher in London,

The Bank of England looks set to keep interest rates on hold on Thursday as it awaits signs that inflation risks are quashed, putting the focus instead on a decision about bond sales that could feed into Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' first budget.