FTSE 100 slips as Bank of England holds interest rates in narrow vote
The FTSE 100 fell on Thursday after the Bank of England held interest rates. While tech stocks rose, mining losses and political tension weighed on the index.
Insights:
The Bank of England announced on February 5, 2026, that it has voted narrowly by a 5-4 margin to hold interest rates, a decision that prompted immediate and choppy trading across United Kingdom 
GB equity markets. The FTSE 100 fell by approximately 0.4%, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 index declined by 0.7%. This market reaction comes just one day after the FTSE 100 closed at a record high, highlighting the sensitivity of investors to the central bank's policy direction.
GB equity markets. The FTSE 100 fell by approximately 0.4%, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 index declined by 0.7%. This market reaction comes just one day after the FTSE 100 closed at a record high, highlighting the sensitivity of investors to the central bank's policy direction.The unexpectedly close vote has materially changed expectations regarding the timing of monetary easing. In its official guidance, the Bank of England indicated that interest rate cuts could follow if inflation falls materially in the coming months. This dovish signal, despite the hold, triggered a repositioning in several key sectors, most notably affecting UK banks and technology stocks.
