Summary Goldman expects three BoE cuts in 2026
- In March, June and September, from their previous forecast of a cut in each of February, April, and July.
- Labour market weakening supports easing
- Inflation seen remaining contained
The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates on 18 December has reinforced expectations that the UK central bank is entering a more sustained easing cycle, with Goldman Sachs continuing to forecast multiple rate cuts through 2026 amid weakening economic momentum.
In a research note, Goldman said it expects the BoE to deliver 25 basis point cuts in March, June and September, revising its earlier call that had pencilled in moves in February, April and July. The shift in timing reflects the bank’s assessment that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will proceed cautiously but steadily as evidence mounts that inflation pressures are easing and labour market conditions are deteriorating.
Goldman argues that recent UK data has increasingly tilted risks toward a softer growth outlook. Labour market indicators have shown signs of cooling, including slower hiring, rising unemployment risks and easing wage pressures. At the same time, the bank expects inflation to remain well-behaved through 2026, reducing the need for the BoE to maintain a restrictive policy stance.
While markets currently price a gradual pace of easing, Goldman sees scope for the BoE to cut rates more aggressively than investors anticipate if incoming data continues to confirm these trends. The bank notes that weak activity data could give policymakers greater confidence to lean dovish, particularly if inflation expectations remain anchored.
The December cut marked a shift in the BoE’s policy narrative, signalling that the balance of risks has moved away from persistent inflation and toward supporting growth. However, policymakers are expected to retain a data-dependent approach, closely monitoring wage dynamics, services inflation and broader financial conditions.
From a market perspective, the evolving BoE outlook has implications for UK rates, sterling and relative monetary policy divergence. A faster or deeper easing cycle would likely weigh on the pound while supporting UK risk assets, particularly if global central banks move more cautiously.
Overall, Goldman’s revised forecast underscores growing confidence that the BoE’s tightening phase is firmly over, with the next challenge centred on calibrating the pace and depth of rate cuts as the UK economy navigates a softer growth environment.
