The article argues that bond markets exert undue influence on British politics, citing concerns about government borrowing costs and the power of "bond vigilantes." It suggests progressive politicians can counter this by understanding market dynamics, scrutinizing the Bank of England's policies, and repurposing pension funds for public investment.
Bond yields creep higher on concerns about potential for political instability and rising inflationBusiness live – latest updatesUK politics live – latest updatesThe cost of government borrowing has crept higher as Keir Starmer’s crucial speech failed to dispel investor “jitters” in the bond markets over political instability combined with fears of rising inflation.The yield, effectively the interest rate, on the benchmark 10-year UK government bonds (known as gilts) rose eight basis points (or 0.08 of a percentage point) to 5% on Monday. Continue reading...
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsUK goverment borrowing costs have risen at the start of trading, lifted by inflation concerns and uncertainty over Keir Starmer’s future.The yield, or interest rate, on UK 30-year bonds is up around six basis points (0.06 of a percentage point) at 5.63%.The triggering of a leadership election, and a subsequent change in Prime Minister, leaves the GBP [the pound] and Gilts [UK government bonds] not only grappling with a ratcheting up of political uncertainty, but also being forced to face up to a likely more left-wing successor to Starmer.Such an outcome would, in all likelihood, lead to a substantial loosening of the ‘fiscal rules’, along with considerably higher government spending, and even higher taxes, possibly even including a manifesto breach in raising NI, VAT, or income tax. Continue reading...
Rise in bond yields due to fuel prices and stability concerns will eat away at Rachel Reeves’s fiscal headroomBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK government’s long-term borrowing costs have hit their highest level since 1998, amid rising fuel prices and concerns about political stability.The yield – effectively the interest rate – on 30-year UK government bonds (gilts) hit 5.76% at lunchtime on Tuesday, up 0.11 percentage points – exceeding the 27-year high reached last autumn. Continue reading...
