Gilt yields hit 18-year high on inflation, fiscal worries, BoE hike signals
Global bond selloff and fiscal worries push yields to 18-year high A worldwide bond selloff, combined with concerns over Burnham's spending plans and an £11bn budget hole, drove UK 10-year gilt yields to an 18-year high, raising borrowing costs.
This explains the main force behind the price drop during the quarter.
Inflation above 4% and energy price spike keep upward pressure on yields Inflation above 4% and a nearly 20% jump in energy prices from Middle East conflict kept upward pressure on gilt yields, which exceeded 5%.
Inflation and energy costs are key drivers of bond yields and investor demand.
Bank of England signals possible rate hike to 4% Bank of England signals of a possible rate hike to 4% added to upward pressure on yields, as tighter policy expectations reduce the appeal of existing bonds.
Monetary policy expectations directly influence bond yields.
BoE halts gilt sales for six months, briefly easing yields The Bank of England unexpectedly halted gilt sales for six months, briefly cutting yields by 6–8 basis points and easing borrowing costs, though the overall trend remained upward.
This was the one positive factor that temporarily lowered yields during the quarter.