UK gilts plunge on revamp in market sentiments following slight progress over Brexit transition deal

The UK gilts plunged Monday as investors shied away from safe-haven assets on the back of improvements and progress in the Brexit negotiations going on after Britain agreed a Brexit transition deal and investors received some clarity over a possible interest rate hike in May.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year gilts, jumped nearly 2-1/2 basis points to 1.46 percent, the super-long 30-year bond yields surged close to 2 basis points to 1.77 percent and the yield on the short-term 2-year too traded nearly 2 basis points higher at 0.91 percent by 10:05GMT.

Following a busy UK data calendar last week – with a downside surprise to inflation, a stronger-than-expected labor market report, and some so-so retail sales figures – this week’s docket is much lighter. While the final Q4 GDP data, due on Thursday, appear to be most notable, the headline rates of growth should remain unrevised at 0.4 percent q/q and 1.4 percent y/y.

Therefore, the more timely indicators due the same day – the services activity index for January and the GfK consumer confidence survey for March – should receive more attention. The latter will be watched for signs of any improvement in consumer sentiment after the drop in inflation and firming in the labor market suggested by this week’s data releases.

Also on Thursday, February BoE lending data is due, including mortgage approvals – a good indicator of activity in the housing market – which increased sharply in January, and consumer credit figures. Before then, on Wednesday the CBI Distributive Trade survey should bring some insights into how activity on the high street was affected by harsh weather earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 traded 0.32 percent higher at 6,942.91 by 10:10 GMT, while at 10:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly Pound Strength Index remained highly bullish at 118.35 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex

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