Gilt yields hit 18-year high on fiscal and inflation fears, then ease on BoE supply halt
Fiscal worries and global selloff push yields to 18-year high UK 10-year gilt yields reached an 18-year high in August–early September 2026, driven by a global bond selloff, fiscal concerns over PM Burnham's spending plans and an £11bn budget hole, and Bank of England signals of a possible hike to 4%.
This explains the main upward force on yields during the period.
BoE halts gilt sales, easing supply and pushing yields down In mid-September, the Bank of England unexpectedly halted gilt sales for six months, easing supply and pushing yields down 6–8 basis points.
This was a key policy action that provided downward pressure on yields.
Inflation pressure from Iran war oil surge and gas prices Inflation pressure from the Iran war's oil price surge and surging gas and oil prices kept upward pressure on yields, with inflation projected above 4%.
This highlights the inflationary forces that contributed to higher yields.
BoE holds rates but signals hikes, markets price November rise The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% while signalling hikes, with markets pricing an 80% chance of a November rise, and Barclays and JPMorgan forecasting a November hike, keeping upward pressure on yields.
This shows the monetary policy stance and market expectations that influenced yields.