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By Khushi Singh and Lisa Pauline Mattackal
(Reuters) -The UK’s benchmark stock indexes ended higher on Thursday, after the Bank of England kept rates on hold, as widely expected, and extended its bond reduction plan for another year.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 was up 0.9%, while the mid-caps gained 1.6%. Both indexes touched their highest levels in over two weeks.
BoE policymakers voted 8-1 to keep benchmark rates on hold at 5%, though Governor Andrew Bailey said cooling inflation pressure meant the BoE should be able to cut interest rates gradually over the months ahead.
“The Committee stressed a relatively patient approach towards further normalisation, which remains warranted given the relatively…
