UK Government Bonds and the Starmer Effect
Historic Surge in Gilt Yields
Yesterday, gilts (UK Government Bonds) fell, sending the long-term yield on the 30-year gilt to 5.79%, up by 11 basis points, and to the highest level in 28 years. The 10-year gilt hit 5.14%, (highest level since 2008) up by 20 basis points on the day. The spread between 30-year gilts and their counterparts in US Treasuries widened to 78 basis points up from 60 basis points. This large increase in the country’s cost of borrowing is due to calls for the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, to resign not only from his bank benchers (now over 100 MP’s), but from cabinet members as well — four of whom resigned yesterday, following Labour’s brutal defeat in local elections last Thursday.
Market Fears of Looser Fiscal Policy
Such calls for Starmer’s resignation have put investors on high alert, as a potential change in leadership signals the possibility of increased spending by the labour government in an effort to win back votes. The possible shift to looser fiscal policies sees investors pricing in higher risk premiums. Also, financial markets are already suggesting that there will be three interest rate hikes between now and the end of the year. Experts suggest that a fiscal crisis may well be around the corner, and with yields surging, markets are looking at the math and not ideology — where current debt levels are high, global and energy risks are already elevated, leaving investors looking for fiscal discipline, clarity and continuity.
The Return of the Bond Vigilantes
Analysts suggest that in reality, no matter who succeeds Kier Starmer, there is no credible plan to restore the country’s finances, and as a result, UK Government bonds will remain under pressure. Experts suggest the gilts are under attack from what is known as “Bond Vigilantes” (a term coined in the 1980s by economist Ed Yardeni) who aggressively sell government bonds in protest of monetary or fiscal policies they deem inflationary or irresponsible. With the UK currently facing the highest long-term borrowing costs in the G7, a new left-leaning Prime Minister could drive debt even higher. In response, ‘bond vigilantes’ may sell off gilts, forcing borrowing costs up and potentially compelling the government to adopt more disciplined economic policies.
Leadership Contenders and Economic Outlook
The likely successors to Kier Starmer do not fill the bond markets with great hope, as one potential contender, ex-Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor, led a cabinet revolt against Chancellors’ Reeve’s plan to slash welfare spending. There is a potential challenge from the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, who has already criticised the economic approach of the Starmer government by claiming the country is in hock to the bond markets. Also, last year he promised to increase government spending by a further £40 Billion to pay for more council homes. The only candidate prepared to appease the bond markets is Health Secretary Wes Streeting, by committing to fiscal rules and helping bring down government borrowing.
The Reality of Market Forces
Whoever takes over from Starmer, and it is not a given as he is currently hanging on by any means possible, would do well to heed the words of Margaret Thatcher (late 1980’s), who said, “You can’t buck the market”. This mantra she used to describe her belief that the government cannot and should not attempt to resist market forces, specifically addressed her view on the power of financial and bond markets to dictate financial reality. Experts suggest that bond yields may come down if Starmer keeps his job as this will give continuity, however prevailing winds seem to be against him.