Britain | Gilt-racked

Why have Britain’s bond yields jumped sharply?

Mostly, blame Donald Trump. But Labour’s policies haven’t helped

Double exposure photo of the British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.
Photograph: Getty Images

The new year has brought a head-splitting hangover for Britain’s government. Gilts—British government bonds—have sold off sharply in the first days of 2025, deepening a rout that has been going on for months. By January 9th 30-year yields had climbed to 5.45%, the highest in nearly three decades. Ten-year yields were at 4.82%, the most since the financial crisis of 2007-09.

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