UK borrowing costs hit 1998 high as oil prices surge on Iran war fears
30-year bond yield exceeds 5.7% while Brent Crude tops $119 amid Strait of Hormuz blockade concerns
Quick Look
- UK long-term borrowing costs have reached their highest level since 1998, with 30-year bond yields above 5.7% and 10-year yields at levels not seen since July 2008.
- The surge comes as oil prices climb to new Iran war highs, with Brent Crude exceeding $119.50 per barrel amid fears of prolonged disruption to Middle East oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The UK yields are the highest in the G7, reflecting investor concerns over public finances and sticky inflation, while the FTSE 100 fell 1.2% on growing economic worries.
AI-generated summary
UK long-term borrowing costs have hit their highest level since 1998 while oil prices have notched a new Iran war peak amid fears of extended disruption to flows from the Middle East.
The yield - the interest rate demanded by investors to hold 30-year government bonds - stood above 5.7% ahead of Wednesday's close while its 10-year counterpart also hit its highest since July 2008, according to the Reuters news agency.
The UK is not alone in facing bond market pressure as a result of the strains facing economies from rising energy prices but its yields, the highest in the G7 of advanced economies, reflect additional investor concern over the state of the public finances and sticky inflation that has long preceded the Middle East conflict.
The pace of price increases in the economy is set to pick up in the coming months, creating pressure for state aid from the chancellor, as rising oil prices feed in beyond fuel and heating to include household energy, food and many other goods.
The lack of results in peace efforts between the US and Iran was clear to see on oil markets on Wednesday, following several false dawns earlier this month on White House claims of progress.
A barrel of Brent Crude for June delivery was up by more than 7%, exceeding the $119.50 war time high witnessed on 9 March.
The FTSE 100 ended the day almost 1.2% lower, building on losses across the week that reflected growing worries for the UK and wider global economy.
Neil Wilson, investor strategist at Saxo UK, said of the mood: "Stock markets sold off and oil climbed as President Trump told aides to prepare for prolonged blockade (of the Strait of Hormuz) instead of return to conflict.
"He's apparently met US oil executives today and may be seeking ways to boost domestic production to offset the impact of a longer blockade."
The Strait usually accounts for a fifth of the world's global oil and natural gas shipments.
