Bank of England Ready to Slash Base Rate

Released on: October 7, 2008, 4:21 am

Press Release Author: Michael Oakes - Young Group

Industry: Financial

Press Release Summary: This Thursday’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision on
the UK’s base rate could bring the news that millions of homeowners on tracker
mortgages are waiting for. Neil Young, CEO of property portfolio managers Young
Group, assesses the potential impact.

Press Release Body: Bank of England Ready to Slash Base Rate?

This Thursday’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision on the UK’s base rate could
bring the news that millions of homeowners on tracker mortgages are waiting for.

It is widely predicted that the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
will cut the base rate by at least 25 basis points (from 5.0% to 4.75%) when it
announces the outcome of its deliberations on 9 October.

Neil Young, CEO of Property Portfolio Managers, Young Group, comments; “In recent
months, the MPC has been engaged in a delicate balancing act. On the one hand,
stagnating financial markets prompted calls for a rate reduction; on the other,
inflationary pressure was in danger of racing out of reach of the Government’s 2.0%
target. The MPC steadfastly held to its inflationary-led remit and since April has
kept the base rate at 5.0%.”

However, Neil Young now expects the MPC to call time on the 5.0% base rate;
“Conditions in the wider economy have changed markedly since April when the
prevailing 5.0% rate was set. The economy is now at a stage whereby a rate cut
could be made without jeopardising the Government’s inflation target. The current
general economic slowdown will cool inflation; demonstrated by price of Oil this
week falling to an eight month low, below $90 a barrel.

“Historically, the MPC has made small, 25 basis point rate adjustments, so although
the time may be right for a 50 basis point reduction, we may well only see the
interest rate cut to 4.75%. But the Australian government took the bull by the
horns last night, announcing a dramatic base rate slash of 100 basis points, despite
the nation’s rate of inflation remaining well above target.”

“We will find out on Thursday whether the MPC believes that the UK economy will
benefit in the medium term from a cut in base rate. Furthermore, whether a
reduction in base rate will be reflected in lenders’ standard variable rates remains
to be seen. But for the millions of homeowners on tracker mortgages who would see
immediate benefits, Thursday 9 October could just bring the good news they’ve been
waiting for.”

Even a modest 25 basis point reduction in the interest rate, would shave £400 a year
off the mortgage repayments of an average priced UK property.

-ends-

Neil Young, CEO - Young Group, is available for interview


About Young Group
Young Group specialises in providing Property Portfolio Management services to
private investors, offering the best off-plan direct investment opportunities in
London.

Young Group manages the entire investment process from sourcing the opportunities
through to financing, furnishing and letting. Young Group owns all the property
that it sells, and also retains a number of units in each development for its own
portfolio. As the principal in every transaction, Young Group does not realise any
profits until completion and has transacted in excess of 1,700 apartments, with a
retail value of more than £700 million. The majority of our units are bought by
clients for their private portfolios. The Group's portfolio managers liaise with
the Young London (www.younglondon.co.uk) estate agency team in advance of completion
to let investors' apartments to quality tenants, often through corporate lets.

Young Group clients have access to all available finance products via Young Group's
FSA regulated mortgage desk, Young Finance (www.youngfinance.co.uk). Young Finance
is an appointed representative of Thinc Assured Network, one of the UK's largest
financial advisory firms and is not tied to any group of lenders, nor does it charge
commission or transaction fees.

• Young Group's iconic Canary Wharf development, The Landmark
(www.TheLandmarkE14.com), has been awarded two Daily Mail Property Awards in the
categories of best high rise development and best high rise architecture. The
Landmark East Tower rises to a height of 459 ft, making it one of the tallest
residential properties in Europe.

• Young Group’s COO, Sylvana Young, has been named Bradford and Bingley’s Property
Woman of the Year, 2008 for London.

Young Group supports NORWOOD and CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA, two charities particularly
close to our heart, donating £50 per property exchange and providing additional
support throughout the year. Visit www.younggroup.co.uk to learn more.

About Young Finance
Young Finance (www.youngfinance.co.uk) is an appointed representative of Thinc
Assured Network, one of the UK's largest financial advisory firms and is not tied to
any group of lenders, nor does it charge commission or transaction fees.


Neil Young, CEO – Young Group, is available for interview/further comment


Web Site: http://www.younggroup.co.uk

Contact Details: Young Group
First Floor
71 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1DE

T: +44 (0)845 356 1000
E: moakes@younggroup.co.uk
W: www.younggroup.co.uk

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