August 1999
| Euromoney August 1999 Tentatively at first, then in a growing rush of enthusiasm, the first corporate bonds in the new single currency began to appear in January. Before long, scores of companies were clamouring to reach this broad, new investor base. Then came confusion in pricing and growing investor disenchantment. But the restructuring of Europe should mean that the continent's corporate bond market is here to stay. And as investors learn to tell the good deals from the bad, it is beginning to acquire depth and maturity. Rebecca Bream reports - The good, the bad and the illiquid
From cement makers to oil companies, from first-time issuers to regular borrowers, corporates big and small are targeting European investors with bond issues. How have they fared?
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Euromoney August 1999
Leading supervisors on the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision are giving their 1988 rules a much-needed overhaul, trying to bring capital charges closer to the banks' own view of risk and return. But who's to say the banks are right? These proposals will be fought over tooth and nail by the lowly rated, the cautious, those suspicious of too much, too hasty sophistication, and those who mistrust rating agencies. Meanwhile, turf battles continue over lax banking structures in the US and protectionist banking structures in Germany. David Shirreff reports.
Euromoney August 1999
Deutsche Telekom's €11 billion share issue in late June was like the company itself: too big to ignore and surrounded by controversy. Retail investors in Germany, Italy and even Japan rushed to buy the deal. But institutional investors took a dimmer view. Alex Mathias reports.
Euromoney August 1999
Few other areas of international finance have been as disaster-strewn in recent years as equity derivatives. A succession of investment banks, including UBS, NatWest, and Bankers Trust, have been spectacularly blown up. And last year there were widespread losses after a European retail boom in guaranteed products left dealers short of volatility. But still newcomers are queuing to join the market. Marcus Walker asks the elite players how they adapt and survive.
Euromoney August 1999
Some swap counterparties of defunct Hong Kong investment bank Peregrine are claiming a double discount on what they owe its liquidators. Ridiculous? Perhaps, but uncertain enough for an appeal to a UK court. The implications, for swap documentation and close-out netting with poor-credit counterparties, could be huge. By David Shirreff.
Euromoney August 1999
So you think the euro is having a rough ride? What you've seen is a deliberate devaluation strategy from the political hard core. But, because of the structural flaws in euroland the present regime won't cure the euro's inherent weakness. Expect to see the European Central Bank tending one sick patient after another, predicts Bernard Connolly.
Euromoney August 1999
In the first of a series of articles examining the businesses of foreign banks in the US, Antony Currie looks at UK bank NatWest's investment banking and treasury operations. He starts with a day trip to Greenwich Capital, the fixed-income boutique bought in 1996 that has survived NatWest's investment-banking retrenchment and is now leading from the top. He then returns to New York, to a stellar performance from the treasury group, Global Financial Markets.
Euromoney August 1999
The Pfandbrief market is now the single biggest bond market in Europe. The jumbo market, which accounts for 25% of Pfandbrief issuance, grew by 80% in 1998 and is now bigger than several European government bond markets. We asked eight key players where this market is going.
Euromoney August 1999
Stockmarkets may be recovering but emerging market banks are still in crisis. The long struggle to restore capital adequacy will carry on for some time. When analyzing the top 200 emerging market banks, prepared by Fitch IBCA, it's important to remember this, writes Brian Caplen.
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
With more banks keen to explore internet banking, the legal and regulatory problems remain immense. But there are ways to minimize their impact. By Christopher Stoakes
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Euromoney August 1999
Don't fall prey to confusing a successful currency
with a strong one, says Avinash Persaud. The euro fits the description of a credible currency. The euro corporate bond market is thriving and the euro is quickly gaining a vehicle currency and international role. Non-government markets are being revitalized, let's not underestimate the power of change.
Euromoney August 1999
Euroland finally seems to be accelerating. Price stability has been achieved and few question its sustainability. The bond market is a clear success for the euro and a broad range of borrowers have emerged. We should not view these developments as a flash in the pan. The European Commission has come up with a plan, Graham Bishop considers its implications.
