The Bank of England kept rates steady at 4.25% today, as six of nine policymakers voted for no change, citing global risks including Middle East instability and volatile US trade policies. Though inflation eased to 3.4% in May, it remains above target, while wage growth and services inflation are still strong. However, signs of a cooling labour market and slowing growth led three members to back an immediate cut. Governor Andrew Bailey suggested a rate cut could come in August if data supports it. Markets now expect two cuts this year. Gilt yields dipped and the FTSE 100 edged higher on rate-cut hopes.