Bank of England Holds Rates as Officials Consider Hikes Ahead

The Bank of England kept interest rates on hold with several policymakers saying they might consider future hikes, just as oil prices soared within reach of the central bank’s most pessimistic scenario for the economy.

The Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favor of leaving the benchmark rate at 3.75%, minutes from its latest meeting said on Thursday. Chief Economist Huw Pill was the sole dissenting voice on the panel but others signaled they could join him at upcoming meetings.