Ahead on surprise BOE action

Reuters was at least one second ahead of competitors on July 9 with the Bank of England surprise decision on its easing programme, giving clients a head start on a big story. Markets had expected the central bank to increase its asset purchases by 25 billion pounds, allowing it to continue pumping money into the economy. Instead the bank cut the pace of its purchases, suggesting the programme was coming to an end. Gilts futures fell more than a full point and the pound rose half a cent against the dollar on the news.