Carney Says Housing Poses Biggest Risk as Prices Surge

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney shifted closer to reining in surging U.K. home prices by branding them the No. 1 risk to the economy and listing potential policy responses.

In his most forthright warning yet over the property market, Carney said policy makers “could do more” to tackle excesses if needed. Options include imposing more checks on the affordability of mortgages, limiting types of loans or advising the government to rein in its stimulus program. His comments came as data showed housing continued to strengthen this month, with prices rising to a record.