Monthly value of money market funds under management in the UK 2020-2024

From January 2020 through August 2024, the value of money market funds under management in the United Kingdom (UK) remained relatively stable aside from one notable spike in value in October 2022, by January 2023, however, the spike had subsided, and fund levels had fallen below 50 million British pounds.

How are money market yields linked to inflation?

The money market yields are influenced by inflation expectations. When inflation expectations rise, investors typically demand higher nominal yields to offset the anticipated decline in purchasing power. Market sentiment regarding inflation is reflected in these yields, which act as indicators for both investors and policymakers. The inflation rate for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the United Kingdom went from under one percent in March 2021 to a high of 11.1 percent in October 2022. Although inflation declined to 3.9 percent in October 2023, it remained well above the levels seen before 2021. Consequently, a significant increase in money market yields was observed. Beginning in 2022, the monthly average yields from the British government bonds continued to rise until they reached their peak in mid-2023, indicating higher inflation expectations. 

What is LIBOR?

The London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, is a benchmark interest rate that reflects the average interest rate at which major global banks lend to each other in the interbank market. It is used to establish interest rates for financial instruments such as adjustable-rate mortgages, business loans, and derivatives. The six-month overnight London Interbank Offered Rate based on the British pound increased month by month from 2022 onwards, reaching its peak in March 2023 at 4.74 percent. This increase in borrowing costs has a ripple effect throughout the financial system, which means higher interest rates for businesses and consumers overall.