The Bank of England on Thursday released the voting breakdown from its July 30 monetary policy meeting, revealing that six policymakers voted to keep interest rates unchanged, while three members supported a 25-basis-point rate increase.

The outcome was more hawkish than market expectations, which had anticipated a 7-2 vote in favor of keeping rates unchanged.

Economic Outlook

Surprise factor: Yes

Assessment: Positive for the British pound

Market impact: Strong

Interest rate outlook: Supports the path of monetary policy normalization

Immediate market reaction: Negative