economy

UK government borrowing costs hit their highest level since 2008 as inflation fears hit the gilt market

Three charts show the extent of the U.K. government's borrowing woes.

UK government borrowing costs hit their highest level since 2008 as inflation fears hit the gilt market

TL;DR

  • UK government borrowing costs, specifically the 10-year gilt yield, reached their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, crossing 5%.
  • The escalating Iran war has led to a surge in oil and gas prices, contributing to inflation fears in the UK.
  • Markets have shifted expectations from potential Bank of England rate cuts to anticipating rate hikes later this year.
  • The Bank of England noted that inflation would be higher in the near term due to the new economic shock.
  • Official figures showed higher-than-expected government borrowing in February.
  • Volatility is expected to remain elevated as energy markets influence the inflation outlook.