Historic gilt lows reflect improved debt outlook, but growth fears remain

New lows in gilt yields following last week's spending review have been seen by some analysts as a vote of confidence in the UK government's austerity plans. Other observers, however, say they reflect something else entirely.

toby-nangle-barings
Nangle, Barings: 1.43% seems to be a vote of confidence

Record low yields on UK gilts signal market expectations that the government will successfully lower its debts, but also that a period of low growth lies ahead.

The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced on October 20 the results of the government's spending review, which will result in £81 billion of spending cuts. Yields on the benchmark 2.75% gilt due to mature in January 2015 fell to a low of 1.441% the day after the announcement. On October 25, the bond was trading at 1

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here