UK Borrowing Costs and Sterling Slide as Budget Pressure Builds

Mace | 2nd September 2025 | Lobbying, Policy & Think Tanks, Politics

UK long‑term borrowing costs have surged to their highest since 1998, with 30‑year gilt yields near 5.7 per cent. Sterling has slumped about 1 per cent against the dollar.

The cost of borrowing for the United Kingdom has climbed sharply amid a broader retreat in global bond markets. Yields on 30‑year gilts have reached the highest levels since 1998 with rates touching between 5.69 per cent and 5.72 per cent, marking the most expensive long‑term funding for decades. This move comes as markets digest fresh uncertainty surrounding the country’s fiscal position and government credibility as the autumn budget looms. The pound has weakened notably. Sterling fell roughly 1 per cent versus the US dollar, trading near $1.338 to $1.34. That marks its weakest performance since April and reflects growing investor unease. Financial markets have seized upon recent developments inside Number 10 with concern. A reshuffle that moved the finance minister’s deputy closer to the Prime Minister and installed a new economic adviser was taken by some as a sign that the Treasury’s resolve might be weakened and that fiscal discipline could waver. Despite the turbulence, the government successfully issued a record £14 billion of ten‑year gilts. Demand was strong although the high yields raise the cost of servicing debt and limit fiscal flexibility ahead of a challenging budget cycle. Major UK equity indices fell as banking and real estate stocks tumbled, while investors rotated to safer assets such as gold and energy. The move reflects mounting financial pressures ahead of what is shaping up to be a critical fiscal moment. ...

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