The British pound held near $1.327 on Thursday as investors balanced escalating energy costs against weaker-than-expected UK wage growth, just hours before the Bank of England’s interest rate decision. European natural gas prices spiked 25% after attacks on critical LNG facilities in Qatar, while Brent crude surged to $114/barrel, heightening inflation risks for the UK economy. Markets now anticipate a more hawkish stance from the BoE, though the central bank is widely expected to hold rates today. Looking ahead, traders are pricing in about 32 basis points of tightening by year-end, equivalent to more than a quarter-point hike, with more than a 50% chance of a June rate increase and a full hike priced in by September. Meanwhile, the latest UK jobs report revealed slowing wage growth and unemployment steady at 5.2%, both below expectations.
