FTSE 100 Ends Record Winning Streak as Rate Decisions Loom
The FTSE 100’s historic run of consecutive gains has come to a halt. On Wednesday, it slipped 0.4% to close at 8,559.33 as investors turned cautious ahead of key interest rate announcements in the UK and US.
The index enjoyed steady gains for over two weeks, extending its record-breaking streak into the new week. However, sentiment reversed today amid growing uncertainty surrounding global monetary policy.
The dip marks the end of a recovery period for the FTSE 100, which had previously suffered a sharp sell-off following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs last month.
Traders are bracing for decisions from two major central banks. The US Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged when it reveals its decision at 7 pm BST this evening, despite continued pressure from President Trump to cut rates and relieve borrowing costs.
Meanwhile, the Bank of England is widely expected to announce a 0.25 percentage point rate cut tomorrow, responding to weakening inflation data and the threat that tariffs could further dampen economic growth.
