Consider the following two statements regarding monetary policy in the United Kingdom:
Statement 1: The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England ought to reduce the bank rate to 3.5% in order to support households facing high mortgage payments.
Statement 2: In May 2024, the Bank of England maintained its benchmark interest rate at 5.25%.
Which one of the following best classifies these two statements?
Statement 1: Positive; Statement 2: Positive
Statement 1: Normative; Statement 2: Normative
Statement 1: Normative; Statement 2: Positive
Statement 1: Positive; Statement 2: Normative