Foreign exchange
Demise of UK suppliers hits end-users hard
The near-simultaneous bankruptcies of the UK's only two independent energy suppliers has exposed problems in market frameworks and added to challenging operating conditions for end-users, finds Roderick Bruce
Plastics futures to launch on DGCX
The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) will launch plastics futures contracts on February 5.
FSA to order banks to stock up on Treasuries
New liquidity rules proposed by the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) will compel banks and lenders to keep a 'liquid assets buffer' of short-term government bonds, which will mean a significant increase in most banks' holdings.
FSA consults on new liquidity rules
Daily news headlines
SEC toughens rules for credit rating agencies
Daily news headlines
Protected equity loans fall out of favour in Australia
Protected equity loans in Australia have fallen out of favour with investors as a result of the Australian Tax Office reducing the maximum interest deduction on May 13 this year. The benchmark interest rate in the capital-protected borrowing rules was…
Volatility, correlation and dividend losses sting banks
Volatility and deals based on dividends joined correlation as a major way for banks to lose money in the third quarter of 2008. Like losses on correlation in the first quarter, it remains true that the bigger the structured products operation, the bigger…
Precious metals ETFs listed in New York
Proshares has listed four new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Arca platform of the New York Stock Exchange. The ETFs offer 200% long or short leveraged participation in gold and silver.
NY approval brings Ice CDS clearing platform a step closer
The Intercontinental Exchange (Ice) has won permission to create a New York-chartered trust company, the next step towards the creation of its central counterparty (CCP) facility for credit default swaps (CDS).
SEC votes to tighten rules on rating agencies
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted yesterday for new rules governing rating agencies, aimed at reducing conflicts of interest in the ratings process.
Credit Suisse wields axe after Sfr3 billion loss
Credit Suisse is planning to cut 5,300 jobs following a Sfr3 billion ($2.5 billion) net loss at the firm during October and November this year. Two-thirds are expected to be in investment banking - the primary source of the bank's losses.
India lifts ban on four commodity futures contracts
The Indian regulator has given permission for futures trading in soya oil, chickpea, potato and rubber to resume following a seven month ban.
Earth Capital Partners to launch $5bn sustainability fund
Former chief executive of Man Group, Stanley Fink, is chairing an environmentally focused fund management company entitled Earth Capital Partners that aims to raise $5 billion over the next five years.
AIG terminates $46.1 billion of credit-default swaps (CDS)
AIG announced on Tuesday that an off balance sheet vehicle created by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY) has purchased $46.1 billion of its toxic collaterised debt obligations (CDOs).
Treasury called to account for Tarp
The US Treasury has failed to provide oversight of vital parts of its $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (Tarp), according to a report issued today by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
UN suspends carbon credit verifier DNV
The United Nations CDM Executive Board has temporarily suspended Norwegian consulting firm DNV's powers for accrediting clean development mechanism (CDM) projects, prompting potential delays for project developers' issuance of Certified Emission…
CFOs outline financial challenges for 2009
Credit capacity constraints will be the greatest financial challenge for the oil & gas industry in 2009, according to 57% of chief financial officers (CFOs) in the sector.
OTC Global Holdings forms new portfolio company
OTC Global Holdings (OTCGH) has formed its ninth portfolio company Pinnacle Derivatives, which will offer a complete range of traded instruments for financial institutions, producers and end users.
Apra denies 8% Tier 1 capital claims
Daily news headlines
Thai bourse plans to add an ETF and derivative warrants
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (Set) aims to introduce an exchange-traded fund (ETF), derivative warrants, gold futures and an Islamic fund in 2009, as well as boost retail and institutional investor numbers. Set also intends on being listed by 2011, as…
Banks cut staff in Europe and US
More European and US banks joined the growing list of institutions to cut staff in the wake of the financial crisis.