Rate Rises Pushed Back to Late 2011

LONDON, March 18, 2010 - US rates will not rise for another year - a dramatic change in the
forecast from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Economic weakness means that a further twelve months will elapse before
the Fed ups rates leaving them on hold till late 2011. This means that the
UK, Europe and Japan will delay their rates till after the US which means
business and homeowners can look forward to flat rates for a long while to
come.

In an interview with financial broadcaster www.cantos.com, EIU
editorial director Robin Bew explains the change in forecast as well as the
importance of Latin America as a region of growth and the continuing
pessimism in some parts of Europe.

The video interview and transcript are available now on
www.cantos.com.

Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth
interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you
would like to contact us, please email amanda.alexander@cantos.com or phone
+44-207-936-1352.

If you would like to contact us, please email amanda.alexander at cantos.com or phone +44-207-936-1352.