The Bank of England has left British interest rates unchanged at a 48-year low of 3.5% for the third successive month after its regular monthly meeting.
No change had been expected, though the risk of a rate rise was seen as increasing following positive economic news in the past week.
Last month the BoE's Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously in favour of keeping the base rate on hold. But economists noted that a minority of committee members contemplated voting for an increase on the back of strong consumer spending growth and the continued accumulation of household debt.
Data released earlier this week may have put a stop to such views after showing output in the UK's struggling manufacturing sector dropped unexpectedly in August, the first monthly fall since March, due to lower production of cars and machinery.
Analysts say the Bank will want to wait for more concrete evidence of a turnaround before it raises rates, which are currently at a 48-year low.
Industry bodies welcomed the rates decision. 'Manufacturers will welcome the continued breathing space from the Bank,' said Steve Radley, chief economist at the Engineering Employers Federation.
And British Chambers of Commerce director general David Frost described the decision as 'the right one for business'.
