Lingering double-digit inflation sends U.K. bond yields higher

The pound GBPUSD, -0.16% moved up to $1.2444 from $1.2424.

U.S. stock futures ES00, -0.49% NQ00, -0.72% also dropped after the data was released.

Unlike in the U.S., core goods inflation has remained stubbornly high, owing to prices on clothing and furniture, despite a drop in durable-goods prices.

“It’s not quite a slam dunk for a May rate hike – though markets are fully pricing that outcome now. We agree that it’s now probably more likely than not in light of this week’s inflation and wage data, having up until now forecasted no change,” said James Smith, developed market economist at ING.

In fact, markets are now more than fully pricing in a rate hike, with expectations now of a 27 basis point increase, as markets also assign an 82% chance of a June rate rise.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt reiterated the government’s view that inflation will be halved this year, citing forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.