18 May 2026
30-Year UK Gilt yields back to levels last seen in 1998 – Download Chart of the week
The Market Place – Download Market Data
- US markets climbed despite rising inflation fears, geopolitical tensions, and growing expectations of prolonged Federal Reserve policy tightening.
- UK faced mounting political instability, weaker sterling, and surging borrowing costs as investors questioned economic and fiscal credibility.
- European leaders intensified focus on defence, industrial resilience, and strategic autonomy amid weaker growth and geopolitical uncertainty pressures.
- China expanded geopolitical and clean-energy influence while Japan boosted defence spending amid oil volatility and escalating Middle East tensions.
