NYSE:SW

May 26, 2026, 9:28 AM EDT. U.K. gilt yields declined to five-week lows as investor worries about political instability eased following Labour's local election setbacks. The 10-year gilt yield dropped to 4.85%, down about 30 basis points, reflecting reduced expectations for interest rate hikes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though challenged by potential rivals including Andy Burnham, remains in charge, calming markets concerned about fiscal policy shifts. Additionally, optimism surrounding a possible U.S.-Iran peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has eased inflation fears, further reducing yield pressures. Analysts at Pantheon Macroeconomics noted that investors are discounting weak economic data and now anticipate fewer rate increases in 2026, driving the largest weekly drop in gilt yields since late 2023.