What are Gilts or UK government bonds?
These are a type of bonds issued by the UK government in order to finance public spending. Gilt prices will fluctuate from day-to-day in the market, depending on the outlook for interest rates.
The majority of Gilts pay a fixed coupon (generally twice a year) and mature at a set date. The life of these instruments will vary from a few months to over forty years. Some Gilts have more complex features such as "calls", which enable the government to pay off the debt ahead of time. Before purchasing a Gilt, investors should check the full details of the issue. Please note, prospectuses for Gilt issues can be obtained at the website of the government's Debt Management Office.
Find out more about Bonds and Gilts