Libor's true colours

Short-term Libor rates have surged, reflecting reluctance by banks to lend to each other in the current market turmoil. This has caused a dislocation in the short end of the curve, and created problems for those using swaps referenced to Libor. Duncan Wood reports

libor-reform-trendline-london-skyline

Like the serial killer who is described by shocked former colleagues and neighbours as a quiet, seemingly pleasant man, Libor has managed to hide its true nature from the banking industry for more than 20 years. During that time, there have been short-lived episodes of stress when the rate spiked upwards, but its history has typically been one of calm and stability - so Libor's violent eruption in August came as a nasty shock. Funding desks and structurers now say there is a question mark over

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