Bank of England buys £1.32 billion in gilts
At its final reverse auction during its two-week emergency bond-buying program, the Bank of England bought £1.3207 billion ($1.48 billion) worth of long-dated government bonds, according to Reuters.
The news agency reported that its total purchases of conventional and index-linked gilts stood at £19.3 billion.
UK 30-year gilt yields rise to two-day high
U.K. 30-day gilt yields rose to a two-day high of 4.682% following the speech by Prime Minister Liz Truss.
In the announcement Truss back-peddled on tax policies originally laid out in a mini-budget on Sept. 23, as she attempted to ease market turbulence.
Gilts had dipped earlier in the day on reports of a possible U-turn on Truss’ tax plans.
— Hannah Ward-Glenton
Sterling falls following statement by UK Prime Minister Liz Truss
UK PM Liz Truss makes U-turn on corporation tax
“It is clear that parts of our mini-budget went further and faster than markets were expecting, so the way we are delivering our mission must change,” Truss said in a major news conference Friday.
“I have therefore decided to keep the increase in corporation tax that was planned by the previous government,” Truss said.
Corporation tax will now increase to 25%, as originally planned by Boris Johnson’s government, rather than remaining at 19%.
“My priority is ensuring our country’s economic stability,” she said.
— Hannah Ward-Glenton
Jeremy Hunt appointed UK finance minister
Jeremy Hunt has been appointed the U.K.’s new finance minister, according to Prime Minister Liz Truss’ office.
The move comes after Kwasi Kwarteng was fired from the position earlier today.
Hunt will be the U.K.’s fourth finance minister this year.
— Hannah Ward-Glenton
Markets are ‘crying out for clarity, stability and a little calm,’ pensions analyst says
People are “crying out for clarity, stability and a little calm across the financial markets,” Andrew Megson, CEO of My Pension Expert, said in a note.
“If these things cannot be delivered, and quickly, the calls for a general election and change of government will surely become too loud to ignore,” Megson said.
“Even after a month of major shocks, this news is particularly momentous. Kwasi Kwarteng leaves with egg on his face, the economy in a downward spin, and Liz Truss’ premiership hanging by a thread,” he said.
“Forget any political point-scoring or personal agendas, this whole episode – from the mini budget on 23 September through to today’s unceremonious dismissal of the Chancellor – has set Britain back at a time when clear, decisive action was needed,” he said.
— Hannah Ward-Glenton
Kwasi Kwarteng fired as UK finance minister
Kwasi Kwarteng has been fired as the U.K’s finance minister after just 37 days in the role, making him the second-shortest serving chancellor on record.
“You have asked me to stand aside as your Chancellor. I have accepted,” said Kwasi Kwarteng’s resignation letter to Truss, which he published on Twitter.
The announcement comes shortly before Prime Minister Liz Truss is expected to make a statement on her fiscal plans.
— Hannah Ward-Glenton
British bond yields fall after UK PM Liz Truss announces a news conference for later today
LVMH’s Arnault: The strong dollar is drawing customers to Europe
Antoine Arnault, LVMH head of communications, discusses third quarter earnings.
Stocks on the move: Virgin Money up 5%, Temenos down 19%
Virgin Money shares gained 5.4% in early trade to lead the Stoxx 600, while Swiss software company Temenos plunged more than 19% after issuing a profit warning.
– Elliot Smith
