The Bank of England today decided to keep its key repo rate unchanged at 4.50 pct for the eighth month in a row. The decision was widely expected and not accompanied by a statement. In a poll conducted by AFX News last week, all 36 forecasters correctly predicted the no change verdict. Further out, however, opinion is much more divided, and there is a great deal of uncertainty about whether rates will change during 2006 and if they do, which direction they will go in. Fifteen of the 36 forecasters polled predicted that rates will stay unchanged at 4.50 until the end of the year, while eight reckon there will be one cut, six forecast two cuts and seven believe there will be a hike by the end of the year. The majority believe that the Monetary Policy Committee's recent rhetoric has suggested that interest rates will remain steadfastly unchanged for the time being. It is likely that April will again see just one dissenting vote in favour of a rate cut from Stephen Nickell. Nickell has opted for a cut every month since December, but the MPC's lone dove is set to end his term in May. The MPC was down to eight members this time round due to the departure of Richard Lambert to take up a post as head of the Confederation of British Industry. The minutes to today's minutes will be published on April 19.