PWLB briefing
End of Day Wrap-Up
UK gilt yields rose across the curve today, resulting in modest increases in PWLB rates at all maturities.
GILT MOVE SUMMARY
- → 2y: 4.38% (+4bp) — front-end yields moved higher in line with the broader curve.
- → 10y: 4.97% (+4bp) — belly yields rose in parallel with shorter maturities.
- → 30y: 5.66% (+6bp) — long-end saw the largest increases, with a mild steepening bias.
- → 50y: 5.21% (+6bp) — ultra-long yields followed the long-end higher.
PWLB CLOSE SNAPSHOT
| Tenor | Rate | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1y | 5.18% | -3bp |
| 5y | 5.45% | -3bp |
| 10y | 5.94% | -2bp |
| 25y | 6.55% | -2bp |
| 50y | 6.34% | -3bp |
PWLB rates reflect the morning fix and do not capture the afternoon gilt sell-off.
WHAT DROVE TODAY
No major UK economic data was released today. The move higher in gilt yields occurred alongside a global risk-off tone, with newsflow dominated by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—specifically the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on energy prices. Commentary highlighted expectations for central banks, including the Bank of England, to keep rates unchanged this week amid inflation risks from elevated oil prices. However, there was no single domestic event or data point directly cited as the driver for today's gilt moves.
WHAT THIS MEANS
- → Gilt yields rose by +3bp to +7bp across the curve, with the largest increases at the long end.
- → PWLB rates, set at midday, ended the day 2–3bp lower, but do not reflect the afternoon gilt sell-off.
- → Borrowing costs for local authorities are likely to be higher at the next PWLB reset if gilt yields remain elevated.
NEXT ON THE DIARY
- → Wed 29 Apr: Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee decision, 12:00 — no change expected.
Markets ended the day with higher gilt yields and a steeper curve, while PWLB rates will adjust to reflect these moves at the next reset.
This commentary is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify rates directly with PWLB or official sources before making borrowing decisions.