Bank of England may set the stage for interest rate hikes this yearBank of England members could mull backing an interest rate hike. Analysts across financial firms in the City are expecting the Bank to leave interest rates unchanged at 3.75 per cent. A 6-3 or 5-4 split on the MPC tomorrow could send traders into a spin and signal more interest rate hikes on the way. The yield on two-year gilts – which signal market expectations on interest rates – are already suggesting investors believe there could be up to three hikes on the horizon. Tensions on interest rate outlookSome City firms including Peel Hunt and Berenberg said that the Bank’s next move will be to cut interest rates after a series of decisions to leave interest rates at 3.75 per cent.