Following the Bank of England's decision to hold the base rate at 0.5 per cent, the challenge facing investors in trying to a healthy return from their investments is magnified, according to Barclays Stockbrokers .

Most commentators have indicated that they feel it will still be some time before rates start to move higher again, the bank observed.

With the inflation threat ever looming in the present economic climate, the current sentiment seems to be shifting in the opposite direction, even towards thoughts of further quantitative easing measures, commented Paul Inkster, head of product at Barclays Stockbrokers .

As the Bank of England looks likely to hold interest rates at their current low levels until well into 2011, the challenge facing investors in trying to earn an income from their investments is magnified, he added.

The current Bank of England base rate - 0.5 per cent - is the lowest in its history.