Newscast Is The Economy On The Up?
20 snips
Dec 18, 2025 
Asma Khalid is a US-based BBC correspondent and co-presenter of The Global Story, offering insights into US foreign policy, while Vanessa Buschschlüter is the BBC's Latin America and Caribbean editor focusing on Venezuela. They discuss escalating US-Venezuela tensions, including recent military actions and political roots of the crisis. Asma highlights the Trump administration's intensified pressure, while Vanessa examines oil's role in the conflict. The duo delves into the implications for international diplomacy and the potential for further escalation.
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Rate Cut Is Helpful But Gradual
- The Bank of England cut rates from 4% to 3.75%, the sixth cut in 18 months and may slow future pace.
- The cut eases mortgage pressure but many benefits arrive only when fixed deals expire, so effects are gradual.
Budget Measures Lowered Inflation
- The Budget measures (energy, railfares, prescriptions) contributed materially to recent falls in inflation, per the Bank and OBR.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves used that link to claim validation, but uncertainty from the Budget has also weighed on activity.
Policy Committee Was Deeply Divided
- The Monetary Policy Committee split 5-4 on the cut, reflecting tight trade-offs between growth and inflation risks.
- Andrew Bailey changed his vote to cut, signalling future decisions will be closer calls and cuts may slow next year.