Articles by Peter Madigan
Optimism for property derivatives
Despite massive global real estate losses, the property derivatives market has been largely ignored, with trading activity focused almost exclusively in the UK. What are the prospects for growth in the asset class? By Peter Madigan
Reform bill blocked in Senate despite dropping exchange trading
Republicans voted against debating financial reform again, despite the elimination of mandatory exchange trading from the bill.
Property swap analysis could have softened commercial property market crash
Implied total returns suggest UK property market was overheating in 2006.
Standardised coupons introduced on loan CDS
New fixed 100bp, 250bp and 500bp coupons aim to promote liquidity and fungibility in LCDS contracts
Happier times for distressed assets?
The distressed assets sitting on the balance sheets of financial institutions have increased in value in recent months, with a variety of firms reporting paper gains. Has the turning point been reached in distressed structured credit assets? Peter…
Ticked off with the uptick rule
The US Securities and Exchange Commission revealed a revised uptick rule in February, eliminating a key exemption for options market-makers. But some participants say these new rules will impede liquidity and price efficiency in US options markets. Peter…
CDS dealers surprised by announcement of Ambac credit event
Isda has classified a restructuring of Ambac's RMBS-related exposure as a bankruptcy, triggering thousands of CDS.
Proprietary raiding
US President Obama in January unveiled a proposal to prevent banks from owning, investing in or sponsoring hedge funds, private equity funds or proprietary trading operations for their own profit. What do authorities mean by ‘prop trading’ and how…
Playing the gold card
Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw explosive growth in 2009, but this year has so far seen net outflows of investor capital. However, with inflation fears and sovereign risk high on investors’ agendas, ETF providers expect interest to pick up once…
Copenhagen or bust
Carbon trading volumes boomed in 2009, but price declines meant the total value of trades was down modestly. Following the disappointing Copenhagen summit, what hope is there for new life in the carbon markets? Peter Madigan reports