UK Gilt Yields Fall on US-Iran Deal Optimism
2026-05-06 07:12
By
Joana Ferreira
1 min. read
UK 10-year gilt yields eased to 5.0% on Wednesday as hopes of a US-Iran deal pushed oil prices lower, reducing inflation concerns.
While US President Donald Trump paused "Project Freedom" in the Strait of Hormuz, citing progress in talks, he maintained the blockade on Iranian ports.
Despite the decline, gilt yields remain near 18-year highs, as investors still anticipate potential Bank of England interest rate hikes due to the prolonged Middle East conflict's impact on already above-target inflation and domestic political pressure.
Markets are pricing in at least two quarter-point rate hikes from the Bank of England this year, following last month's decision to hold rates steady.
Governor Andrew Bailey described the move as a "difficult judgement call," warning of risks in delaying action.
Attention is also turning to Britain’s municipal elections on Thursday, with polls suggesting a possible setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.