Barclays Brief

Decoding the bond sell-off

May 19, 2026·11 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Global bond yields have been rising sharply, with long-term yields breaking higher across multiple markets - pushing US 30‑year yields above 5%.​The sell-off was initially triggered by energy-linked inflation resulting from the Iran war, but increasingly reflects a broader, cross‑market re-pricing, with fiscal pressures, shifting rate expectations and signs of bear‑flattening emerging in key markets.​In this episode of the Barclays Brief, Lucile Flight, Managing Director in Rates Trading, joins Patrick Coffey to examine what’s driving the move in different regions – from political uncertainty shaping UK gilts to changing views on neutral rates in the US and a dialled-back ECB response in Europe. ​They discuss what could bring yields down again and where investors are seeing the most compelling opportunities across global rates.​Listeners can hear more on this topic:​​​Inflation crosscurrents: Energy vs AI ​European rates: Inflation & AI waves collide ​Clients can read more on Barclays Live:​​Thinking Macro: No saving grace ​Federal Reserve Commentary: What would trigger a 2026 Fed hike?United Kingdom Outlook: What a week...Global Economics Weekly: Leaders meet and bonds shriek

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