Energy company BP (-3.6%) is among the top fallers, along with copper producer Antofagasta (-3.4%).<\/p>\n
US bond prices are also weakening, sending bond yields higher.<\/p>\n
Reuters is reporting that the United States military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and Sailors to the Middle East, according to three US officials, adding:<\/p>\n
double quotation markOne of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the USS Boxer, along with the Marie Expeditionary Unit aboard, were departing the West Coast of the United States about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n
The US dollar, a traditional safe-haven in times of geopolitical tension, is strengthening, knocking the pound down by over a cent to $1.331.<\/p>\n
Gold, silver, and platinum prices are also falling.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n Easter fuel warning as petrol and diesel rise again<\/p>\n UK motorists driving over the Easter period are likely to face higher fuel costs, the RAC warn.<\/p>\n New RAC data shows that average petrol and diesel prices have risen again today.<\/p>\n The average price of a litre of unleaded petrol is up another 0.9p to 144.51p.<\/p>\n Diesel has risen by another 1.8p to 166.24p a litre.<\/p>\n RAC head of policy Simon Williams explains:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cSince the conflict began, average petrol prices are now almost 12p (9%) higher at 144.51p a litre, with diesel up by twice that amount (24p, 17%) to 166.24p. Diesel drivers have seen prices rise by 2p over the last two days alone. The cost of filling a typical family car with unleaded is \u00a36.40 more now (\u00a379.48 for a tank) than at the start of March, while the figure for diesel is a hefty \u00a313 (\u00a391.43 for a tank).<\/p>\n \u201cThe oil price has been consistently above the $100 a barrel mark this week, so unfortunately further rises look all but inevitable going into next week. The average price of a litre of unleaded is likely to reach 150p, and diesel possibly 180p, by Easter. With many people heavily dependent on the car, the pressure on household budgets is beginning to intensify.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n UK mortgages are likely to get more expensive next week, given the jump in UK bond yields today and market expectations of three rate rises this year.<\/p>\n David Hollingworth, associate director at L&C Mortgages<\/a> says:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cLender repricing of fixed rates continues at pace as increasingly hectic market movement forces changes to be implemented at pace. Market reaction to the ongoing conflict and the rising threat of upward pressure on inflation has slipped into a higher gear in the last couple of days.<\/p>\n \u201cLenders are more frequently withdrawing at very short notice and\/or pulling deals without any immediate replacement. The spike in funding costs results from the market view that future interest rate movement has shifted from further cuts this year to more increases.<\/p>\n \u201cThe frequent rate changes are causing significant spikes in business volume for lenders. That is almost inevitably going to put some strain on servicing, so borrowers may see the time to receive a mortgage offer edge out. Lender rate hikes will often be provoked by a desire to manage volume but with so much volatility and the accelerated pace of rate changes, it\u2019s increasingly difficult for lenders to make a judgment.<\/p>\n \u201cI expect that mortgage borrowers will have to resign themselves to more rounds of repricing next week and those looking to secure a new deal face a \u2018now you see it, now you don\u2019t\u2019 marketplace, at least in the near term.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>FTSE 100 now negative for 2026<\/p>\n Britain\u2019s blue-chip stock index is now negative for the year, after the Iranian war wiped out all its gains.<\/p>\n The FTSE<\/a> 100 index has now dropped to 9,917 points, a fall of 1.46% or 146 points today. That takes it below its closing value on 31 December 2025, of 9,931.38 points.<\/p>\n Just before the Iran war began, the Footsie was trading at an alltime high over 10,900 points, and traders were anticipating it hitting 11,000 points soon.<\/p>\n Not. Any. More.<\/p>\n A chart showing the FTSE 100 during 2026 Photograph: LSEGShare<\/a><\/p>\n Even German government debt, traditionally a safe-haven asset, is suffering from the slump in bond price today.<\/p>\n German 10-year government bond yields have hit their highest since the middle of the euro zone crisis in 2011 (A truly dramatic time\u2026<\/a>), as investors anticipate an inflation shock from the Iran war.<\/p>\n The German 10-year yield has hit a high of 3.025%.<\/p>\n UK 10-year bond yields, though, are accelerating their surge higher \u2013 to 5.01%.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a011.12 EDT<\/p>\n Investors are also digesting a report that the US is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran\u2019s Kharg Island to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait of Hormuz<\/a>, despite earlier suggestions by Donald Trump that he was not leaning towards putting \u201cboots on the ground\u201d.<\/p>\n The claims, made on the Axios website, followed previous reporting that the US was considering occupying the key Iranian oil terminal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Markets slide on report US to send more troops to Middle East<\/p>\n Shares in London are suffering an end-of-week sell-off, following a report that the US is to send more troops to the Middle East.<\/p>\n The blue-chip FTSE 100 share index is now down 90 points, or 0.9%, at 9970 points, back below the 10,000-point mark. That\u2019s its lowest level since 5 January, as the Iran<\/a> war wipes out almost all of its gains during 2026.<\/p>\n Energy company BP (-3.6%) is among the top fallers, along with copper producer Antofagasta (-3.4%).<\/p>\n US bond prices are also weakening, sending bond yields higher.<\/p>\n Reuters is reporting that the United States military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and Sailors to the Middle East, according to three US officials, adding:<\/p>\n double quotation markOne of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the USS Boxer, along with the Marie Expeditionary Unit aboard, were departing the West Coast of the United States about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n The US dollar, a traditional safe-haven in times of geopolitical tension, is strengthening, knocking the pound down by over a cent to $1.331.<\/p>\n Gold, silver, and platinum prices are also falling.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Share<\/a><\/p>\n UK government bonds are being hit by two factors \u2013 forecast of higher inflation, and fading hopes of interest rate cuts.<\/p>\n Ben Seager-Scott, chief investment officer at professional servicse group Forvis Mazars, explains:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cBonds continue to bear the brunt of the market ramifications even as equity markets attempt to take events in their stride. The main reason for this is that equity markets are looking through the noise and can likely pass through a lot of the inflation over the medium term, whilst bonds, being more mechanical in nature, are forced to wear it.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are two drivers of bond weakness – the expectation of higher inflation and the compensation investors demand for it, coupled with reduced chances of central bank cuts whilst inflation and uncertainty persist.<\/p>\n \u201cThe continued strikes on energy infrastructure clearly represent a worrying shift in the conflict driving the latest volatility.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>“The bond vigilantes are after the UK once more”<\/p>\n Worryingly for the UK government, its bond yields are rising fast than those of other countries, such as the US and Germany, today.<\/p>\n Kathleen Brooks, research director at brokerage XTB, warns that \u201cThe bond vigilantes are after the UK\u201d again.<\/p>\n As 10-year borrowing costs hit their highest since 2008 this morning, Brooks cautions that the bond sell-off is a problem for the global economy, particularly the UK:<\/p>\n double quotation markThe UK is looking like an outlier, and multiple factors are causing this. Events in the Middle East are a major factor, along with the unprecedented repricing of UK interest rate expectations. More than 3 rate hikes are still expected this year from the BOE, even after Andrew Bailey attempted to calm markets [yesterday].<\/p>\n There are also idiosyncratic factors that make the UK more vulnerable to energy price shocks. Our blunt energy pricing mechanism will cause bills to surge later this year, and we have a Labour government that is spending more in welfare than it is bringing in through taxation, which is also spooking bond investors in the current environment.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>FCA launches investigation into collapsed mortgage lender MFS<\/p>\n Britain\u2019s financial watchdog has announced an investigation into a UK mortgage lending business which collapsed earlier this year.<\/p>\n The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) says it has has opened an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS).<\/p>\n MFS filed for administration last month amid allegations of fraud, leaving a string of financial firms owed in excess of an estimated \u00a31.3bn.<\/p>\n Earlier this week a worldwide asset freezing order has been granted against Paresh Raja, the founder and chief executive of Market Financial Solutions (MFS).<\/p>\n Several banks, hedge funds and \u201cprivate credit\u201d lenders face losses due to the collapse of MFS, which is accused of extending mortgages to individuals connected to Raja.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.32 EDT<\/p>\n IEA chief: Politicians and markets underestimating energy shock disruption<\/p>\n Jillian Ambrose<\/p>\n Political leaders and the energy markets are underestimating the scale of the disruption caused by the biggest energy supply shock in history, according to the world\u2019s energy watchdog.<\/p>\n The head of the International Energy Agency used an interview with the Financial Times on Friday to warn that it could take at least six months to restore oil and gas flows from the Gulf after a US-Israeli attack on Iran<\/a> ignited war in the region three weeks ago.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be six months for some (sites) to be operational, others much longer,\u201d Fatih Birol told the newspaper (\u00a3)<\/a>, warning:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cPeople understand that this is a major challenge, but I am not sure that the depth and the consequences of the situation are well understood.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that politicians and markets were underestimating the scale of the disruption, with around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies effectively stranded in the region, the report added.<\/p>\n Birol has previously warned that the world is facing what could be the most severe energy crisis in history after the IEA called on the biggest release of emergency oil reserves in the agency\u2019s 52 year history to temper rising oil market prices.<\/p>\n Global oil prices have climbed to highs of $119 a barrel this week, as a military escalation in the region began to take aim at some of the region\u2019s most important energy production infrastructure. But the price of Brent crude has steadied at around $107 a barrel.<\/p>\n Analysts have warned that prices could surpass the all-time market high of $145.50 a barrel if tankers carrying oil and gas from the Gulf are unable to resume deliveries to the global market via the strait of Hormuz. Some market observers have suggested that prices could rise to highs of $200 a barrel.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Consultancy Oxford Economics<\/a> are predicting that UK CPI inflation will top 4% in the second half of this year \u2013 double the Bank of England\u2019s target.<\/p>\n This forecast is based on the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and significant damage to energy infrastructure across the Gulf.<\/p>\n Senior economist Edward Allenby explains:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cUnder our updated assumptions, we now anticipate a much sharper rise in petrol prices, while higher wholesale gas prices cause a 19% increase in the Ofgem energy price cap in July.\u201d<\/p>\n Oxford Economics have also cut their forecast for UK economic growth in 2026 and 2027, Allenby adds:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cTherefore, we now project GDP growth of 0.4% this year and 1% next year, compared to our February baseline of 0.9% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027, respectively.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Why UK 10-year bond yields are highest since 2008<\/p>\n The jump in UK government borrowing costs to their highest level since 2008 today<\/a> shows there has been \u201ca sharp repricing of inflation risk\u201d, explains Lale Akoner, global market analyst at eToro:<\/p>\n double quotation markThe driver is the renewed energy shock, with oil prices surging and raising concerns about a second-round inflation wave. Markets have quickly shifted from expecting rate cuts to pricing a higher-for-longer path, with additional tightening now back on the table for the Bank of England.<\/p>\n \u201cThe move has been most aggressive at the front end, reflecting uncertainty around policy, but longer-dated yields are also rising as investors demand greater compensation for inflation and fiscal risk. The UK remains particularly exposed given its sensitivity to energy prices and already stretched public finances, which adds to upward pressure on borrowing costs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bank of England is in a difficult position. Growth remains weak and demand soft, limiting the scope for aggressive tightening, yet persistent inflation risks reduce flexibility. This tension is driving volatility across the curve.<\/p>\n \u201cFor investors, this is a classic rates shock environment. Higher yields driven by inflation, rather than stronger activity, tend to weigh on equities, pressure valuations, and challenge traditional diversification, particularly as correlations between bonds and risk assets become less reliable.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Russian central bank cuts key rate by 50bps<\/p>\n Over in Moscow, Russia\u2019s central bank has gone against the trend this week by cutting borrowing cost.<\/p>\n The Bank of Russia has lowered its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 15%, down from 15.5%.<\/p>\n Announcing the decision, the central bank says Russia\u2019s economy is approaching a \u201cbalanced growth path\u201d, adding:<\/p>\n double quotation markIn February, price growth predictably decelerated after a temporary acceleration in January. The Bank of Russia estimates that the underlying measures of current price growth remain in the range of 4\u20135% in annualised terms. However, uncertainty regarding the external environment has increased considerably.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Reuters reckons the sell-off in UK government debt today has been \u201cexacerbated\u201d by an Axios report on Friday that the Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran\u2019s Kharg Island to pressure Iran<\/a> to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.09 EDT<\/p>\n City expects three UK rate rises this year, back to 4.5%<\/p>\n City traders are now pricing that the Bank of England will raise UK interest rates three times this year, to battle inflation.<\/p>\n The money markets are now pricing in 80 basis points of increases to Bank rate by December \u2013 that indicates that three quarter-point rate rises are fully priced in, taking rates back up to 4.5%, from 3.75% at present.<\/p>\n Yesterday the Bank of England left interest rates on hold, and warned that the \u201cnew shock\u201d to the economy from the Middle East conflict would lead to higher than previously expected inflation in the short term.<\/p>\n Speaking after the meeting, BoE governor Andrew Bailey suggested that markets were getting ahead of themselves by forecasting rate rises.<\/p>\n He told broadcasters:<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cI would caution against reaching any strong conclusions about us raising interest rates…. Today we\u2019ve given a very clear message. The right place to be is on hold.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>UK borrowing costs hit highest since 2008 as inflation shock looms<\/p>\n A key measure of UK government borrowing costs has hit its highest level since 2008, as traders bet that the energy price shock will push up interest rates.<\/p>\n The yield, or interest rates, on 10-year UK gilts has risen to 4.927% this morning, a rise of 9 basis points (0.09 percentage points). That\u2019s the highest level since July 2008, in the run-up to the financial crisis.<\/p>\n A chart showing the yield on UK 10-year bond yields Photograph: LSEG<\/p>\n Yields rise when prices fall. This jump in borrowing costs is bad news for chancellor Rachel Reeves \u2013 it erodes the government\u2019s headroom to keep within its fiscal rules.<\/p>\n The yield on shorter-dated, two-year, bonds has jumped by another 11 basis points to 4.522%. That\u2019s the highest since January 2025.<\/p>\n These rising bond yields reflect expectations that UK inflation will rise to 3%, or higher<\/a>, this summer as the jump in energy prices hits households and businesses.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Wetherspoon’s boss blames Reeves, Iran and temperance movement for profits slump JD Wetherspoon\u2019s boss, Tim Martin, warned that beer prices are likely to rise, blaming an unlikely triumvirate of Rachel Reeves, Iran<\/a> and the return of a Victorian-era-style temperance movement, as the pub chain recorded a slump in profits.<\/p>\n Sales in the first half of the year were up by 5% to nearly \u00a31.1bn on a like-for-like basis, ahead of the wider sector.<\/p>\n But pre-tax profit fell by 32% to \u00a322.4m, prompting a 12% fall in the pub chain\u2019s shares in early trading.<\/p>\n Martin – who is known for his outspoken views on politics – pointed the finger at external factors as he warned that full year profits could undershoot expectations.<\/p>\n Top of his list are \u201cpressure on consumer finances, combined with higher taxes, wages and energy costs\u201d.<\/p>\n The chain expects an extra \u00a370m in costs, mostly due to national insurance and national minimum wage increases.<\/p>\n \u201cThese cost increases will undoubtedly add to underlying inflation in the UK economy, although Wetherspoon, as always, will endeavour to keep price increases to a minimum,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Martin also warned that prices for consumers are likely to increase due to the Iran war.<\/p>\n double quotation mark\u201cThe lesson from the 1970s is that when energy prices go up everyone becomes poorer apart from oil producers.\u201d<\/p>\n He also said pubs were at risk from lower rates of alcohol consumption, lashing out at a perceived \u201crevival of the temperance movement, which appears to have surreptitiously infiltrated the mainstream media and the medical profession.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Rob](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774024696_554_RobDavies.jpg\")
Rob DaviesThe Royal Pavilion, a Wetherspoon pub in Ramsgate,Kent Photograph: Bax Walker\/Alamy<\/p>\n