The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) yesterday backed the decision to keep interest rates on hold.
Kate Barker, CBI Chief Economist, said: "This will help soothe fears that manufacturing could slip back into a downturn. But companies across the economy will need longer term respite as they struggle to compete in tough foreign markets.
"The outlook for inflation is favourable, with the housing market more stable, earnings growth slowing and sterling keeping up the competitive heat. We should no longer assume that the next interest rate move will be up."
