Autumn Statement 22: Markets remain calm following chancellor's speech

FTSE 250 up 0.3%

The markets have reacted calmly to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement today (17 November), while energy companies initially dipped.

The markets only moved slightly following the chancellor's speech, with the FTSE 100 rising 0.1% following the statement, while the domestically focused FTSE 250 has risen 0.3%. Many of the policy measures announced had been expected, as Hunt attempted to provide guidance and stability to the markets so as not to cause further economic turmoil in the UK. Gilts have also remained stable, with ten-year UK gilt yields rising to 3.23% from 3.18% before the speech. Two-year gilt yields rose a similar amount, from 3.05% to 3.13%. Meanwhile, the pound, after peaking at $1.20 this morning,...