Underlying the rate worries, bonds -- whose fixed return makes them linked to interest rate and inflation expectations - also weakened.

BBC: Friday close

The underlying rate of inflation, which excludes mortgage-interest costs, rose from 2.7% to 3.0%, well above the government's target for it of 2.5%.

ECONOMIST: Pause for thought

At 2%, the key underlying rate, which is used by the Bank of England when setting interest rates, is well below the government's 2.5% target.

BBC: UK inflation Oct