The Bank of England has decided to keep UK interest rates on hold at 4.5 per cent for the second month running at the end of its two-day meeting.
However, analysts are split on what the next move will be, with some predicting a rate cut next month while others expect no change until next year.
The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) cut rates by a quarter point in August to revive consumer spending.
But shops are still struggling as soaring fuel bills keep consumers wary.
Sales volumes on the High Street fell at their fastest pace for 22 years last month, according to the CBI. And consumer confidence is still slipping away, according to the Nationwide Building Society. Its monthly confidence index dropped to 94 in September from 100 in August. Although manufacturing activity picked up last month, the UK's service sector expanded at its weakest pace in nine months in September.
Soaring energy prices have pushed up company costs, threatening future profits.
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