Global bond markets sold off sharply Tuesday as rising oil and gas prices rekindled inflation fears, shaking expectations for imminent rate cuts.
Government debt across the euro zone, Britain, and the United States weakened, with yields climbing as investors reassessed central bank policy paths.
Traders sharply reduced bets on near-term cuts from the Federal Reserve and Bank of England, while pricing a modest chance of an ECB hike.
Short-term bonds bore the brunt of the selloff. Britain’s two-year gilt yield jumped to 3.80%, marking its biggest two-day rise since August 2024.
German two-year yields posted their largest annual increase, while U.S. two-year yields also advanced, reflecting broad-based policy repricing.
Brent crude rose 7.5% to $83.60, while European wholesale gas prices surged over 35%, amplifying concerns of a renewed energy-driven inflation shock.
Investors drew parallels with 2022’s energy crisis, fearing prolonged supply disruptions could trigger second-round effects on wages and consumer prices.
Markets now price fewer rate cuts, with Fed easing expectations pushed to September and only a slim chance of BoE action this month.
