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Igor Tudor found out his father died after Tottenham defeat

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Igor Tudor found out his father died after Tottenham defeat


Tottenham Hotspur have offered the club’s condolences to Igor Tudor and his family after confirming the death of the head coach’s father.

Tudor was unable to fulfil his media commitments after Spurs’ damaging 3-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest due to a bereavement to an immediate family member.

It meant Tottenham assistant Bruno Saltor stepped in and the Spaniard declined to give away any details on Tudor’s “family issue.”

Tottenham, and Tudor’s former club Juventus, announced on Monday that the 47-year-old was grieving the death of his father.

“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Igor Tudor’s father, Mario. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Igor and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” Spurs said in a statement

“Juventus stands with Igor Tudor and his family at this difficult time. Juventus joins in mourning the passing of his father,” a Juventus statement read.

The Press Association understands Tudor discovered the news about his father after full-time on Sunday.

Saltor said at the time: “It’s a personal family issue and obviously it’s a difficult moment for him. I’m just trying to support the best way we can.”

Informtation from PA contributed to this story.



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Dow jumps more than 1,000 points after Trump delays ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

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Dow jumps more than 1,000 points after Trump delays ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz


The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 1,000 points in early trading on Monday after President Trump postponed an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the U.S. is engaged in “good and productive” negotiations with Tehran. 

The blue-chip index jumped 1,076 points, or 2.4%, to 46,654. Other indices also climbed, with the S&P 500 adding 138 points, or 2.1% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index gaining 2.4%.

Before Mr. Trump announced the delay on social media, futures had pointed to an almost 1% decline in stocks. 

Oil price decline

Oil prices also immediately retreated. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell to as low as $96 per barrrel immediately after Mr. Trump announced the postponement before paring its loss to $101.26, down from nearly $120 last week. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, dropped to $84 per barrel and then rose to $90.11.

Mr. Trump had earlier set a deadline of Monday night for Iran to reopen ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply, threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it didn’t concede. Iran responded by threatening to attack U.S. and Israeli energy and infrastructure assets in the region.

On Monday morning, Mr. Trump said the U.S. would hold off on strikes against Iranian power plants and other energy infrastructure for five days. That is easing investor concerns that the Iran war could escalate, worsening the growing oil crisis.

“The global economy was teetering on the edge of a precipice the likes of which Trump had never encountered during either of his two terms (worse than COVID and worse than tariffs), and his instinct for self-preservation is too great to drive off the cliff deliberately,” Wall Street analyst Adam Crisafulli, head of Vital Knowledge, told investors in a research note. 

Status of talks unclear

However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that contradicted Mr. Trump’s post.

“We deny what US President Donald Trump said regarding negotiations taking place between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said.

Even with Monday’s decline in oil prices, crude is trading about 45% higher than it was before the start of the Iran war in late February. Americans are paying an average of $3.96 for a gallon of gasoline, up more than $1 per gallon from one month ago, according to AAA.

The economic fallout is likely to linger even if fighting ends today, Crisafulli said. “But at least now there is a line of sight toward resolution,” he said.

At the same time, investors will want to see tangible proof that there’s progress to maintain market gains, noted Chris Larkin, managing director of trading and investing at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, in an email.

“With stocks challenging the boundary between consolidation and a larger downturn, the market woke up to some potentially good news out of the Middle East on Monday,” he said. “But follow-through on any relief rally will likely require tangible follow-through on the geopolitical front.”



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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks agree to historic contract extension: reports

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks agree to historic contract extension: reports


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Jaxon Smith-Njigba played a pivotal role in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning run during the 2025 season, and on Monday, he got paid for his efforts.

Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension with $120 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports. He will now become the highest-paid receiver in NFL history with a $42.15 million annual average value of the contract.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba runs the ball against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026. (Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)

The Seahawks selected Smith-Njigba in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He didn’t turn into a full-time starting receiver until the 2024 season, when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Smith-Njigba’s value to the team grew exponentially in 2025. He had 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns with Sam Darnold slinging him the pill. The receiving yardage total led the NFL.

TOM BRADY GIVES PRAISE TO LOGAN PAUL AFTER FLAG FOOTBALL GAME

Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrates a Super Bowl title

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the Super Bowl LX parade on Feb. 11, 2026. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

The 2025 season was the first year he was able to compete in the playoffs. In three games, he had 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He had four catches for 27 yards in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots, but he didn’t really need to do much for the team to win.

Smith-Njigba will enter his fourth NFL season with a different offensive coordinator but a similar roster on offense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes a catch

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba runs for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field on Dec. 18, 2025. (Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)

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Though Klint Kubiak took the Las Vegas Raiders’ head-coaching job, the team brought back Rashid Shaheed, Josh Jones and Charles Cross.

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How to get rid of cockroaches from your kitchen for just Rs 10 | – The Times of India

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How to get rid of cockroaches from your kitchen for just Rs 10 | – The Times of India


Cockroaches in Indian kitchens are very common. This is especially true in a humid climate. They tend to stay in the drains, cupboards, and behind appliances. They come out at night. While some people prefer to use chemical sprays to get rid of these pests, these sprays can be very harmful. They can also be very costly. Additionally, they may not be safe for kids and pets. The best thing is that you can get rid of cockroaches in Indian kitchens by using simple ingredients found in the kitchen. These tend to cost less than Rs 10. This is also very in sync with Indian culture. With a little effort on your side, you can keep your kitchens clean, safe, and free of pests.

Simple and effective way to get rid of cockroaches under Rs 10

One of the most trusted home remedies for getting rid of cockroaches at home involves using a combination of baking soda and sugar. Sugar attracts cockroaches, and baking soda has an adverse reaction with their digestive system, which helps to eliminate them.The concept that cockroaches are attracted to sugar has been proven scientifically. A study done by the Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology proved that using a combination of baking soda and sugar increases cockroach mortality rates.To use this remedy:

  • Mix equal amounts of baking soda and sugar.
  • Place this mixture near the drain, under the sink, or in the corners.
  • Change this mixture every few days.

This is one of the most cost-effective methods for getting rid of cockroaches at home.

Indian kitchen ingredients that repel cockroaches naturally

Indian kitchens already have a number of natural cockroach repellents. Bay leaves (tejpatta), cloves (laung), and even neem leaves have a strong smell, which cockroaches do not like.Strong natural smells have been seen in several studies and pest control reports to affect cockroaches’ behaviour and activity.Try the following simple remedies:

  • Crush some bay leaves and put them in cupboards
  • Keep some cloves in storage areas
  • Keep neem leaves near the drain

These remedies do not kill cockroaches on the spot, but they do help in keeping them at bay.

Cleanliness: The most important cockroach control in Indian homes

In the Indian context, cleanliness holds the greatest promise. Cockroaches live on food particles, moisture, and waste.Following these simple practices will help minimise cockroaches to a great extent:

  • Don’t leave dirty utensils for the next day
  • Clean the kitchen area every day
  • Cover the dustbins properly
  • Fix leaking taps and water pipes

Experts have advised that if we eliminate the availability of food and water, our homes will be less appealing to cockroaches.In humid areas like ours, summers and monsoons are critical.

Boric powder: Low-cost but effective option

Boric powder is another cost-effective solution, which is commonly used in India. It impacts the cockroach’s nervous system when ingested.You may spread a thin layer:

  • Behind gas stoves
  • Under cupboards
  • Near cracks and crevices

It should, however, be used with caution, away from children and pets.To get rid of cockroaches, you do not need to spend money on expensive products. With ingredients like baking soda, bay leaves, and cloves, you can control this situation efficiently.The secret to using these ingredients is to be consistent. These ingredients work well only if you are consistent. In Indian households, where ingredients are already effective and fragrant, you have everything you need.The simplest desi remedies often prove to be the most effective.



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Barry Keoghan says abuse about his appearance has stopped him wanting to go outside

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Barry Keoghan says abuse about his appearance has stopped him wanting to go outside


Barry Keoghan has said online abuse about his appearance has had a significant impact on his life, making him reluctant to go out in public.

The Irish actor, 33 — who is set to play Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’s four-film Beatles biopic — told SiriusXM host Ben Harlum that persistent negative comments have led him to withdraw “inside myself” and even question his future in acting.

“There’s a lot of abuse of how I look, and it’s kind of past the point of ‘everyone goes through that’ and everyone does, but it’s made me shy away,” he admitted. “It’s made me go inside myself and not want to attend places. Not want to go outside.

“I think I remove myself from online, but I’m still a curious human being that wants to go on,” he explained. “If I attend an event or if I go somewhere, you want to see how it was received. It’s not nice, you know, there’s a lot of hate online.”

Barry Keoghan says he’s ‘removed’ himself from being online after receiving persistent hate (Getty Images for Netflix)
Keoghan stars as Tommy Shelby’s son ‘Duke’ in the new Peaky Blinders film on Netflix
Keoghan stars as Tommy Shelby’s son ‘Duke’ in the new Peaky Blinders film on Netflix (Netflix)

He continued: “I don’t have to hide away because I am hiding away. I don’t have to go to places because I actually don’t go to places because of these things.

“But when that starts leaking into your art, it becomes a problem because then you don’t even want to be on screen anymore.”

The Saltburn star added that the way online bullying has affected him is “becoming a problem.”

Keoghan also expressed concern about how the negative comments directed at him online could one day affect his three-year-old son, Brando, whom he shares with his ex, Alyson Sandro.

“It’s disappointing to the fans, but it’s also disappointing that my little boy has to read all of this stuff when he gets older,” he added.

The Banshees of Inisherin star has previously hit back at the hate he’s received online. In December 2024, he urged people in a post on X to “be respectful,” following the criticism he received about his split from singer Sabrina Carpenter.

“I can only sit and take so much. My name has been dragged across the internet in ways I usually don’t respond too,” he wrote at the time. “I have to respond now because it’s getting to a place where there are too many lines being crossed.”

“I deactivated my account because I can no longer let this stuff distract from my family and my work,” he continued. “The messages I have received, no person should ever have to read them. Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine.”

Keoghan currently appears in Netflix’s newly released Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, as Erasmus “Duke” Shelby, Tommy Shelby’s (Cillian Murphy) son. He has recently been filming his role in Sam Mendes’ The Beatles: A Four-Film Cinematic Event, starring alongside Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn, who play John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, respectively.



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NCAA Tournament under fire for controversial Sweet 16 decision

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NCAA Tournament under fire for controversial Sweet 16 decision


The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament have concluded, which means the action won’t resume until Thursday and Friday, when the eight Sweet 16 games will be played.

Tip times and broadcast details have now been released, and while the matchups are among the best we’ve seen in recent years, the scheduling and the networks airing the games are facing heavy scrutiny.

On both days, the games overlap significantly. The first matchup tips off at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by another at 7:30 p.m. ET, creating only a slight stagger and resulting in both games running at nearly the same time.

Later in the night, games are scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. ET and 10:10 p.m. ET. The only difference on Friday is a slight five-minute shift, with the second game set to tip at 7:35 p.m. ET.

Fans, especially those on the East Coast, have taken issue with the timing, as the final two games will likely not end until well after midnight.

More news: Kentucky’s Mark Pope Makes Excuse After Historical NCAA Loss

More news: New Development Has UNC Fans Convinced Hubert Davis Exit Is Near

“These tip times are insane. Overlapping games is great if you start them earlier,” a fan said. 

Someone else added, “And the greatness of March Madness is over with these ridiculously late tip times. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.” 

Another fan posted, “Nearly half the U.S. population live in the Eastern Time Zone (and only 16% in Pacific), yet we set games at 9:45PM & 10:05PM on a work night. And you know tip-off always get delayed.”

“Why are the games so late? I know it gives players more rest and being in Ca it’s not bad but for East Coast it’s terrible,” a fan shared. 

One more commented, “These tip times are horrible.” 

Tip times have not been significantly altered over the past decade when it comes to scheduling the Sweet 16, but they have consistently been one of the more unpopular decisions.

Regardless, fans will still be tuned in for all the action, with the Elite Eight set to be played across Saturday and Sunday, featuring two games each day, which will then the set stage the following Saturday for the Final Four in Indianapolis.

More news: Is Silas Demary Jr. Playing for UConn? Injury Update for UCLA Clash



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ATM jackpotting attacks surge across the US

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ATM jackpotting attacks surge across the US


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You swipe your card and enter your PIN. You grab your cash and head out the door. It feels routine and secure. Most of us never give it a second thought. However, some ATMs are quietly being turned into cash machines for criminals.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently issued a cybersecurity alert about a rise in malware attacks targeting ATMs. These incidents are known as jackpotting attacks. In simple terms, hackers force machines to spit out money on command.

The numbers are growing. Since 2020, nearly 1,900 attacks have been reported. More than a third occurred just last year. In 2025 alone, losses have already exceeded $20 million. So what is really happening inside these machines, and why is the threat accelerating now?

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HOW DEBIT CARD FRAUD CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT USING THE CARD
 

The FBI warns of rising ATM “jackpotting” attacks, where hackers force machines to dispense cash using malware. (TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images)

How ATM jackpotting attacks work

This is not a Hollywood hacking scene. In many cases, attackers use generic keys to open the ATM’s maintenance cabinet. Once inside, they remove the storage drive. Then they load malware onto it or swap it with a compromised one.

After rebooting the machine, the malicious software takes control. One of the most widely used tools is a malware strain called Ploutus. It targets software known as XFS, which ATMs use to communicate with bank networks and authorize transactions.

Instead of asking the bank for permission, the malware overrides that process. It sends its own commands to the machine. The result? The ATM dispenses cash without a card, without an account and without a legitimate transaction. That is jackpotting.

Why are so many ATMs vulnerable?

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Many ATMs run on aging versions of Windows. Some machines have even displayed Windows 7 login screens. That operating system was released in 2009 and officially discontinued years ago.

Outdated software creates opportunity. If attackers find a vulnerability in the Windows operating system, they can exploit it across different ATM brands and financial networks. The FBI says these attacks are not tied to one specific bank or ATM manufacturer. Instead, they target common weaknesses shared across systems.

That makes the problem much bigger. And with hundreds of thousands of ATMs deployed across the U.S., upgrading and securing every machine will take time.

FEDS CHARGE 87 INDIVIDUALS IN MASSIVE ATM ‘JACKPOTTING’ OPERATION LINKED TO TREN DE ARAGUA GANG
 

A person uses the pin pad on an ATM.

Nearly 1,900 ATM jackpotting attacks have been reported since 2020, with losses topping $20 million in 2025 alone. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

What banks are being told to do

The FBI has outlined several defensive steps for financial institutions:

  • Monitor ATMs for unauthorized files and suspicious executables
  • Disable USB ports to prevent malware loading
  • Replace generic locks with keypad systems
  • Add secondary alarms and enhanced physical security

These are practical fixes. But rolling them out nationwide is a slow process. Meanwhile, attackers continue to look for weak targets.

Why this still matters to you

You might be thinking this sounds like a bank problem, not a personal one. Technically, consumers are not the direct victims in these cases. Unlike Bitcoin ATM scams that have cost individuals hundreds of millions, jackpotting attacks hit financial institutions. However, there is a ripple effect.

When banks lose money, insurance companies pay claims. Eventually, those costs show up somewhere. Higher fees. Increased service charges. Stricter policies. In the end, everyday customers absorb the impact. Cybercrime rarely stays contained.

HOW TO SAFELY VIEW YOUR BANK AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ONLINE
 

A man uses a Wells Fargo ATM.

Cybercriminals are exploiting outdated ATM software to override bank controls and trigger unauthorized cash withdrawals. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

How to protect yourself when using ATMs

While ATM jackpotting attacks primarily target banks, you can still take smart steps to protect yourself when using cash machines.

1) Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations

Choose machines inside bank branches or in busy areas with foot traffic. These locations are more likely to be monitored and maintained.

2) Avoid late-night or isolated ATMs

Criminals need physical access to tamper with machines. High traffic areas during regular business hours reduce that risk.

3) Watch for unusual ATM behavior

If a machine suddenly reboots, freezes or behaves strangely, stop immediately. Do not insert your card. Report the issue to the bank right away.

4) Look for signs of tampering

Check for loose panels, exposed wiring or unusual attachments near the card slot or keypad. If something looks off, use a different machine.

5) Cover the keypad when entering your PIN

Shield your PIN with your hand as you type. This protects you from hidden cameras and shoulder surfers who may try to capture your code.

6) Set up real-time transaction alerts

Enable text or app notifications for withdrawals and account activity. Instant alerts help you act quickly if anything unexpected appears.

7) Check your bank statements regularly

Even though jackpotting bypasses customer accounts, fraud tactics evolve. Review your transactions often so you can catch unauthorized charges early.

8) Consider identity theft monitoring

Identity theft protection services can provide alerts about unusual financial activity across your accounts. Think of it as an added layer of awareness rather than a fix for ATM malware. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.

9) Use contactless or in-app ATM withdrawals

Many banks offer cardless access through secure mobile apps. This reduces exposure to skimming devices and physical tampering.

10) Keep your banking app updated

Install updates promptly to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections.

Staying alert lowers your risk and reinforces good habits, even when attackers are targeting financial institutions rather than individual customers.

Kurt’s key takeaways

ATM jackpotting attacks reveal something important. Even familiar machines can hide modern vulnerabilities. Most of us rarely think about the software running inside a cash dispenser. Yet those systems rely on the same operating foundations as home and office computers. When they fall behind on updates, criminals notice. The FBI alert is not a reason to panic. It is a reminder that digital security touches nearly every part of daily life, even the simple act of withdrawing cash.

How much trust do you place in the technology you use every day without ever seeing how it works? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Police find cocaine worth $12M on drug-smuggling boat off Puerto Rico

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Police find cocaine worth M on drug-smuggling boat off Puerto Rico


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Authorities in Puerto Rico on Monday seized cocaine worth an estimated $12 million off the island’s north coast.

A police statement said officers intercepted a 26-foot long (eight meter) boat without identification in waters off the town of Río Grande. Following a pursuit, three suspects were detained and more than 1,800 pounds (820 kilograms) of cocaine was found on board.

Police said federal authorities are taking over the case.

It is one of the biggest seizures in Puerto Rican waters in recent years. The U.S. territory has long served as a transit point for drugs being smuggled into the U.S. mainland and Europe.



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At ‘Baywatch’ Tryouts, Hoping to Be the Next Pam Anderson or Jason Momoa

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At ‘Baywatch’ Tryouts, Hoping to Be the Next Pam Anderson or Jason Momoa



Buff, waxed or otherwise, thousands answered an open casting call to become the next “Baywatch” discovery — or just “Drowning Swimmer No. 2.”



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Markets bet on three interest rate hikes as UK inflation shock looms

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Markets bet on three interest rate hikes as UK inflation shock looms


The continuing rise of oil and gas prices is threatening another inflation shock for UK households amid fears of multiple interest rate hikes this year.

With the US and Iran locked in a war which has seen the Strait of Hormuz closed off, the rest of the world is set to pay the price, with higher energy costs driving up prices in transport, fuel and production.

Rising costs mean inflation figures will be pushing higher once more. It comes just as data was showing inflation returning towards the chancellor Rachel Reeves’s 2 per cent target after three years.

One of the major methods to combat inflation is for central banks to raise interest rates, so money market traders are betting on up to four rate hikes throughout 2026, compared to a prediction of two cuts for the year as recently as four weeks ago.

“The latest bout of volatility reflects markets beginning to price in meaningful medium‑term damage to Western economies,” Jonathan Raymond, investment manager at wealth management experts Quilter Cheviot, said.

US president Donald Trump walks through the Cross Hall in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Friday 20 March (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

“The UK and Europe look more exposed than the US because of their reliance on imported energy, and that is now feeding into expectations of weaker consumer spending, softer growth and pressure on corporate earnings.”

It is important to note the fact that traders are making bets on the markets does not always mean the central bank, in this case the Bank of England, will also react.

Bets made on the market by selling off bonds (or gilts) send the yield higher. Buying them has the opposite effect. The two-year UK gilts yield at 11am GMT stood at 4.7 per cent, just shy of a full 1 per cent higher than the actual BoE base rate, which stands at 3.75 per cent after last week’s 9-0 vote to hold. In very simple terms, that suggests the markets are pricing in for the interest rate to go higher, up to that 4.7 per cent point, which when translated to MPC voting terms means they’d have to opt to raise (almost) four times to reach it.

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However, markets can shift very quickly in both directions when external events – such as political leaders making statements – dictate a potential change of course.

As an example, Donald Trump’s comments about having had “productive conversations” with Iran immediately saw the same market drop to 4.55 per cent; in MPC terms, therefore, back to only three interest rate hikes.

A cargo ship carrying vehicles sails through the Arabian Gulf towards the Strait of Hormuz
A cargo ship carrying vehicles sails through the Arabian Gulf towards the Strait of Hormuz (AP Photo)

Bets in the market are not the same as actual predictions of what happens six months down the line; they are, in part, traders taking short-term positions which they may quickly sell again within short timeframes.

Matthew Amis, investment director at wealth manager Aberdeen, is one of those who believes traders in the market have overdone it for the current circumstances and does not believe such sharp rises in the interest rate are imminent.

“We don’t think Bank of England communication was as hawkish as the market move suggests,” he said. “Governor Andrew Bailey did not sound like a man who was going to raise rates three times by September. With regards the fiscal package offered by the Labour administration, only time will tell, but note the April price cap already protects consumers somewhat until the July price cap is announced in May.

“All the gilt market needs is people to starting buying. However, to do that we need some confidence and to get that we need de-escalation in the Middle East.”

In terms of the BoE raising interest rates, the difficulty comes with a poorly performing economy, rising unemployment and other domestic economic factors, most of which at present point to needing rate cuts. This is why, before the missiles started to fall, the expectation was on a cut to 3.5 per cent in March or April.

“Central banks are in a tough spot. They cannot afford to let inflation expectations drift higher, yet labour markets are already weakening and any further tightening risks amplifying that slowdown. The result is a policy backdrop that feels tougher than the data would normally warrant, which is amplifying the swings we are seeing across equity markets,” said Mr Raymond.

Analysts at Barclays, in fact, think the BoE will refrain from making any changes whatsoever.

“We expect Bank Rate to stay at 3.75 per cent for the rest of this year. We assess that keeping policy this restrictive for an extended period is sufficient to bring headline CPI inflation back to 2 per cent in two years time, consistent with the BoE’s mandated target,” a research note from Jack Meaning on Friday read.

KPMG, meanwhile, is in fact sticking to a potential cut still coming later in 2026. “The Bank of England is expected to take a cautious approach to monetary policy. KPMG UK forecasts that interest rates will be cut only once this year, as policymakers remain concerned about persistent inflationary pressures,” said chief economist Yael Selfin on Sunday.

“Further rate cuts are now likely to be delayed until 2027, as the Bank balances the risks of rising prices against a weakening labour market and sluggish economic growth.”

The BoE will also need to weigh what has already happened in Iran against what they are guessing happens next.

“Inflation is expected to rise in March as the initial impact of higher fuel prices begins to show up in the official data,” explained Thomas Pugh, chief economist at audit and tax firm RSM UK.

“As pump prices rise to around £1.60 per litre by April, we expect inflation to fall only a little, compared to slowing to 2 per cent as previously forecast. Further ahead, the rise in natural gas prices will see Ofgem increase the energy price cap in July, exerting further upwards pressure on inflation and taking it back over 3 per cent.”

Oxford Economics has an even higher expectation of inflation hitting 4 per cent in the latter half of 2026, before falling back.



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