What are gilts and should you invest in them?

Government bonds such as gilts have traditionally been viewed as safe-haven assets, but does that still hold in the era of Trump tariffs?

The Bank of England against a London skyline backdrop
(Image credit: Tim Grist Photography via Getty Images)

UK government bonds – usually referred to as ‘gilts’ – have been at the heart of some of the biggest financial stories in recent years. Gilt markets almost single-handedly ended Liz Truss’s government in 2022, and they threatened to dislodge Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves from her position early in 2025.

So, what are gilts? Why do they matter so much – and more importantly, should you invest in them?

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Dan McEvoy
Senior Writer

Dan is a financial journalist who, prior to joining MoneyWeek, spent five years writing for OPTO, an investment magazine focused on growth and technology stocks, ETFs and thematic investing.

Before becoming a writer, Dan spent six years working in talent acquisition in the tech sector, including for credit scoring start-up ClearScore where he first developed an interest in personal finance.

Dan studied Social Anthropology and Management at Sidney Sussex College and the Judge Business School, Cambridge University. Outside finance, he also enjoys travel writing, and has edited two published travel books.