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21.01.2026
UK Gilts Look More Attractive as Inflation Cools
UK Gilts Look More Attractive as Inflation Cools
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UK gilts are back in focus as bond markets adjust to a more dovish outlook from the Bank of England. Lower yields suggest investors are anticipating further policy easing, with longer maturities benefiting most from this shift. Should retail investors now rethink their stance on gilts?

UK government bond yields have fallen sharply over the past week, with the 10-year gilt briefly trading around the mid-4.3% area, close to its lowest levels in more than a year. The move reflects growing confidence in the market that the Bank of England (BoE) is approaching the next phase of its easing cycle, as inflation pressures continue to cool and growth momentum remains fragile. Rate futures now imply a high probability of multiple BoE rate cuts in 2026, a backdrop that is typically supportive for longer-dated government bonds.

Comments from policymakers and global banks have reinforced this trend. Bank of England MPC member Alan Taylor recently indicated that inflation could return to the 2% target by mid-2026, encouraging investors to extend duration. At the same time, strategists at banks such as Citi have described UK gilts as a “preferred long,” citing greater scope for rate cuts compared with the US and a relatively stable supply outlook. Historically, periods when the BoE is expected to cut rates have been associated with falling yields and positive total returns for gilts, especially beyond the five-year maturity.

For retail bond investors, this environment favours selective exposure to medium- and long-dated gilts rather than very short maturities. Investors who already hold cash-like instruments or short-dated gilts may consider gradually rotating part of that allocation into 7- to 15-year gilts or gilt ETFs, which tend to benefit more from falling policy rates.

But fiscal events, budget announcements and political uncertainty can still trigger sharp yield swings, particularly at the long end of the curve. So, for those concerned about volatility, a laddered approach - combining short, medium and longer maturities - can help balance income stability with potential price gains.

Author
Vladimir Tarantaev, CFA, PMP
Vladimir Tarantaev, a CFA expert in fixed income, has a strong track record in credit analysis at CIS banks and a diverse background in math-physics and astronomy.
Vladimir Tarantaev
This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.

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Author
Vladimir Tarantaev, CFA, PMP
Vladimir Tarantaev, a CFA expert in fixed income, has a strong track record in credit analysis at CIS banks and a diverse background in math-physics and astronomy.
Vladimir Tarantaev
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