The Bank of England has begun to intervene in the bond market in order to avert a financial crisis. It is halting sales of long-term government bonds and inflation-linked securities. It has also halted the sale of gilts, which were built up under its quantitative easing program. This has caused a sharp decline in the pound, which some analysts say could go as low as parity with the dollar.
Bank of England intervenes in bond market to prevent a crisis
The Bank of England has stepped up its intervention in the bond market to prevent a crisis. They are now buying inflation-linked securities to protect against inflation as well as conventional government bonds. This action comes as a surprise to some investors and has caused the pound to fall further in value. Some analysts believe the pound may even fall to parity with the dollar.
The Bank of England said that its intervention in the bond market is necessary to restore financial stability and regain confidence in the economy. Last week, it warned that it might take action if the pound’s value plunged and financial markets began to panic. Its action was prompted by the government’s “mini-budget” announcement, which included 45 billion pounds in unfunded tax cuts and big energy subsidies.
BoE buys inflation-linked securities
In a bid to curb the recent slide in British financial assets, the Bank of England has expanded its intervention into buying inflation-linked bonds. This move came as prices of long-term government bonds had increased significantly in recent days, pushing up the cost of borrowing by the government. The moves come just five days after the new government of Liz Truss announced a 48-billion-pound stimulus package. The government is also looking to spend billions to shield homes and businesses from soaring energy prices.
Investment banks and pension funds lobbied hard for the extension of the bond-buying scheme. But after the policy was announced, the market took a surprise. After all, the BOE is already buying PS8 billion worth of bonds a week. Its latest move could further damage its credibility.
Buys long-dated government bonds
The Bank of England is buying up long-dated government bonds to fight the recent slide in British financial assets. The move is designed to counter the spiraling borrowing rates on government debt, which is threatening financial stability. It also aims to combat fears of a potential inflation spike that could threaten the UK’s economy and its economy.
The BOE announced the emergency measure to prevent a crisis and ensure that credit conditions for UK households and businesses remain stable. The decision was widely praised by economists. However, the sudden rise in interest rates sent shockwaves through financial markets and upended a sleepy corner of the pension funds industry. Unchecked, the crisis could have had serious consequences for millions of workers and destabilized the entire financial system.
Stops sales of gilts built up under quantitative easing program
The Bank of England has delayed sales of gilts built under the quantitative easing program to avoid a crisis. These sales were originally scheduled to start on October 31. However, the Bank of England has now decided to hold off on the sales until November 30. The plan is time-limited, and any redemptions made by the Bank of England will be fully indemnified by the HM Treasury. The plan was met with intense criticism from Conservative MPs. It comes on top of a multi-billion-pound state subsidy program. The Labour Party, meanwhile, demanded a recall of parliament to stop the sales.
The Bank of England is stopping the sales of gilts built under its quantitative easing program for a few weeks in order to stabilize the market. While this decision may seem counter-intuitive, it has the potential to backfire. As the 30-year yield on UK government bonds rose to 5.15% on Wednesday, the Bank of England is now attempting to restore calm to the markets.