United Kingdom: UK Gilt Yields Steady Near 4.8% as Rate Hike Expectations Ease.

UK 10-year gilt yields hovered just below 4.8% as the Bank of England’s dovish stance and weaker-than-expected US jobs data led investors to scale back rate hike expectations for both the UK and US. Despite this, yields rose 6 basis points for the week as traders adjusted positions after the initial drop following the US-Iran deal, with additional upward pressure from rising long-term yields in Japan amid concerns over increased spending. On monetary policy, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey maintained a cautious tone, highlighting a slowing UK economy and stating the BoE would not rush to respond to rising oil prices. He noted inflation remains on track to reach 2%, though later than previously expected, while ruling out near-term rate cuts. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh noted easing inflation expectations but reaffirmed the Fed’s 2% target. US jobs data showed only 57,000 jobs added last month, with unemployment falling to 4.2% as workers left the labor force.