FX.co ★ UK Yields Dip as Reeves Flags Tough Choices

The yield on the UK's 10-year government bond, known as the gilt, dipped to 4.39% before slightly rebounding to just above 4.40%. This remains close to its lowest point since December 2024. This slight rally occurs as investors evaluate Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' remarks from her pre-budget speech and ahead of the Bank of England's policy announcement scheduled for Thursday. In a notably early statement, three weeks ahead of the November budget announcement, Reeves cautioned that the government faces "tough decisions" to balance public spending with debt reduction. This suggests the possibility of widespread tax hikes as the government seeks to prevent a return to austerity measures. On the monetary front, the Bank of England is largely anticipated to maintain interest rates for the second consecutive meeting. Nevertheless, with signs of economic growth slowing and inflation easing, market expectations are growing for potential rate cuts later this year.