Central banks eye UK gilt market as yields hit multi-year highs

A sharp climb in UK government bond yields has finally caught the attention of official institutions and central banks, many of which are now exploring the gilt market for the first time. The surge in rates has transformed the asset class into a source of compelling value for global reserve managers.

Jonathan Peberdy, CEO of Natwest Markets, confirmed that investors are reassessing their sterling allocations following a conference held in London last week. While global central banks have historically maintained limited exposure to the UK, the current yield environment is prompting a strategic shift. Beyond traditional central banks, interest is also bubbling among sovereign wealth funds and various government departments looking to increase their sterling footprint.

UK bond yields have experienced the most significant volatility among advanced economies since late February, with 10-year yields climbing 60 basis points. This upward pressure on costs coincides with domestic political instability surrounding Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has injected additional uncertainty into the market. Despite these headwinds, the potential for higher returns is outweighing risk concerns for some institutions. Peberdy noted that while these new entrants are not based in Asia, their interest marks a notable shift for a currency that currently accounts for approximately 4.4% of global reserves according to International Monetary Fund data.