This rate hike was all too predictable - and worse will come. More rises would be nothing less than a hammer blow to the economy: HUGO DUNCAN

It will inevitably lead to higher mortgage and borrowing costs for millions, just as energy bills are rising. Families will be wondering what sort of Christmas they have in store.

MarketNews shows the headline and summary published by the outlet. The full article is on the publisher's website. (www.thisismoney.co.uk)