The Bank of England put a dovish twist to an expected rate cut, sending the British pound and bond yields lower. The central bank, as expected, cut interest rates by a quarter-point, its third reduction since August, to 4.5% from 4.75%.

The Bank of England cut interest rates by a quarter-point and some policymakers wanted a bigger move to offset a slowdown, but the BoE said it would be careful about further moves in the face of an expected inflation spike and global economic uncertainty.