Soaring Gilt Yields and Strained Public Finances, with Simon French
Jan 15, 2025
auto_awesome
Simon French, Chief Economist at Panmure Liberum and writer for The Times, dives into the surge of gilt yields and its impact on UK government finances. He discusses the potential for tax increases or spending cuts while questioning if this issue is unique to the UK. The conversation also explores the Bank of England's challenges, the undervaluation of UK stocks post-Brexit, and the essential role of stable fiscal rules for long-term economic health. In a light-hearted segment, they ponder the necessity of government fiscal rules.
The surge in UK gilt yields is part of a global trend driven by strong U.S. economic data and rising inflationary pressures.
Rising borrowing costs have severely strained UK government finances, potentially limiting public service funding and prompting urgent fiscal planning discussions.
Deep dives
Surge in Gilt Yields and Economic Impact
The recent increase in UK gilt yields has raised significant concerns, with the 10-year gilt yield reaching its highest level since 2008. This surge is largely attributed to strong economic data from the U.S. indicating a robust jobs market and increased inflationary pressures, coupled with a looser UK fiscal policy in an environment of rising interest rates. The situation is exacerbated by a rapid deterioration in UK economic data, forcing investors to demand higher yields for government debt. The phenomenon of rising yields is not limited to the UK; it reflects a global trend as developed markets experience similar challenges.
Bank of England's Quantitative Tightening Strategy
The Bank of England's approach to quantitative tightening (QT) has raised questions, especially in light of rising yields. The bank is currently selling gilts in active sales rather than allowing maturity divestments, which could prolong normalization of its balance sheet. This strategy seems counterintuitive as rising yields should prompt more cautious monetary policy, with concerns that aggressive rate cuts may destabilize the currency and raise imported inflation. Despite the orderly nature of the current sell-off, the bank's actions could risk financial stability if unchecked.
Government Finances and Fiscal Challenges
The rising cost of borrowing has significantly impacted UK government finances, eliminating previously estimated fiscal headroom. Currently, the Treasury faces mounting pressure as higher gilt yields create substantial increases in debt service costs, which could limit the scope for public service funding and capital spending. Independent economists suggest that the current trajectory indicates the possibility of breaching fiscal rules, especially with a revised OBR budget forecast. The combination of inflation-linked debt and the current borrowing environment complicates the fiscal landscape, prompting urgent discussions about future fiscal planning.
Inflation Dynamics and Economic Outlook
UK inflation presents a unique challenge, characterized by sticky service-sector inflation and strong wage growth. Various factors, including regulated prices tightly linked to past inflation rates, contribute to the persistence of inflation above target levels. Analysts note that the interplay between inflation and economic policy creates a situation where the Bank of England's ability to manage monetary policy effectively is hampered by persistent inflation expectations. The need for a balanced approach is critical, as policymakers grapple with the dual pressures of fostering economic growth while containing inflationary pressures.
Gilt yields are surging, straining government finances and raising fears of tax rises or spending cuts. But is this a UK-specific problem? And will the Bank of England be forced to respond?
We're joined by Simon French, Chief Economist and Head of Research at investment bank Panmure Liberum. Simon writes on economics for The Times and previously worked in senior government roles at the UK cabinet office.
And in today’s Dumb Question of the Week, we ask: Why does the government need fiscal rules?
---
Thank you to Raisin UK for sponsoring this episode.
Raisin UK is a free, easy-to-use online savings platform, with savings accounts from over 40 FSCS-protected banks and building societies. Simply register, apply to open as many accounts as you like, and manage everything with a single login. Elevate your savings game today.
What's more, for a limited time only, you can receive a £100 bonus when you register and fund your first savings account with a minimum of £10,000 using the code "SAVINGS100". For more details, please visit the link: raisin.co.uk/pensioncraft
This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes and is not financial advice. We do not provide recommendations or endorse any decision to buy, sell or hold any security. We cannot be held responsible for any actions listeners may take and investors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice.
Copyright 2023 Many Happy Returns
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode