What is going on with the UK gilt curve?

low growth, increasing deficits and higher gilt supply

clock • 4 min read

It appears that the fundamental reasons for having a steep UK gilt curve will not be changing anytime soon, writes James Lynch

    The difference between the yield on a five-year government bond and a 30-year government bond is now 130bps (1.3%), which is the steepest level of curve since 2016.  Typically, as you can see from the chart above, when interest rates are higher, you have flatter curves, and when interest rates are lower, you have steeper curves. This makes intuitive sense as when current interest rates are on the floor - such as in 2016 when they were 0.5% - the future path for interest rates has to be higher, which leads to a steeper curve. The opposite is true when current interest rat...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Fixed Income

Chris Justham: 'Fixed interest is sexy. What a time to be alive'

Chris Justham: 'Fixed interest is sexy. What a time to be alive'

Who would have guessed bonds would would pique so much interest?

Chris Justham
clock 21 January 2025 • 3 min read
Fed rate cuts: The right or wrong time to buy fixed income?

Fed rate cuts: The right or wrong time to buy fixed income?

The reality for fixed income is complicated

Darius McDermott
clock 02 October 2024 • 4 min read
Buyer's remorse? David Roberts' bond market insights

Buyer's remorse? David Roberts' bond market insights

The best time to catch a falling knife is after it has hit the ground

David Roberts
clock 28 May 2024 • 5 min read