Foreign exchange
RBS adds in Italy and Germany
Luca Vari and Oliver Dietz have joined Royal Bank of Scotland Global Banking & Markets structured product and solutions sales team in Italy and Germany respectively. Both appointments are subject to the completion of FSA registration.
Merrill Lynch proposed its own sale to Bank of America, says CEO
Merrill Lynch approached Bank of America regarding its possible acquisition, its chief executive has confirmed, as both companies provided more detail around the merger. They also sought to quash concerns the hastily thrashed out deal did not provide…
Lehman Brothers bankruptcy to be largest in history
The liquidation of Lehman Brothers will be the largest bankruptcy in history, with the defunct investment bank holding consolidated assets of $639 billion and liabilities of $613 billion as of May 31, 2008, according to court documents.
AIG secures £20 billion bridge loan, but still downgraded
Struggling US insurance giant American International Group (AIG) was granted permission yesterday to access assets from its own subsidiaries, enabling it to raise around $20 billion in additional capital.
Bank CDS spreads widen dramatically following Lehman collapse
The cost of protection on credit default swaps (CDSs) referenced to the world’s largest financial institutions has skyrocketed as Lehman Brother’s bankruptcy has heightened counterparty credit risk concerns.
Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy protection
Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy. In an announcement early this morning, the firm said it intended to file a petition under Chapter 11 with the Southern District Court of New York.
Bank of America buys Merrill Lynch for $50 billion
Bank of America announced today it will acquire Merrill Lynch in a $50 billion all-stock deal, rounding off an explosive weekend on Wall Street.
Bank of America buys Merrill Lynch for $50 billion
Bank of America announced today it will acquire Merrill Lynch in a $50 billion all-stock deal, rounding off an explosive weekend on Wall Street.
Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy protection
Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy. In an announcement early this morning, the firm said it intended to file a petition under Chapter 11 with the Southern District Court of New York.
Bank of America buys Merrill Lynch for $50 billion
Bank of America announced today it will acquire Merrill Lynch in a $50 billion all-stock deal, rounding off an explosive weekend on Wall Street.
FSSCC R&D Committee out with new agenda
Daily news headlines
Merrill offers weather boost
Merrill Lynch in Singapore has launched the Citrine All Weather Booster Notes, which are designed to offer exposure to the stock of five Singapore-based companies.
US banks launch inflation-linked products
SunTrust has launched a new certificate of deposit (CD) linked to the consumer price index for US investors seeking shelter from rising inflation, which hit 5.6% in July 2008.
No respite for Lehman after loss warning
Chief executive Richard Fuld’s plan to rescue Lehman Brothers by selling off many of its operations has failed to stem a fall in market confidence, after the bank predicted record losses in the third quarter of this year.
JP Morgan launches Confidence notes in Singapore
JP Morgan in Singapore has launched the JP Morgan AsiaConfidence Notes Series 3, which is designed to give exposure to the performance of four Asian equity markets comprising China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
Lyxor offers China volatility play
Lyxor Asset Management in Hong Kong has launched the China All Weather Guaranteed Fund, which is designed to provide exposure to the absolute performance of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI).
Interdealer brokers’ merger talks break down again
Stock prices of interdealer brokers Tullett Prebon and GFI Group plummeted on Tuesday, as a failure “to reach acceptable economic terms” halted ongoing merger talks.
Fannie and Freddie CDS to settle at October auction
The auction process to settle credit default swap (CDS) contracts written against Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will take place in the first week of October, Risk has learned, although losses on the agreements are likely to be minor for most counterparties.
Calyon cuts back derivatives operations
Calyon will cut 500 jobs and pull out of the structured credit and derivatives markets as part of a plan to survive the market downturn.
Natixis snares hedge fund replication index licence
Natixis Investment Bank has obtained a licence to use the IndexIQ hedge fund replication index to create multiple structured investment products for institutional and retail investors across Europe and Asia.
The power of now
A real-time position reporting system is becoming an important tool for large energy trading firms. Sirius Solutions’ Brian Shydlo introduces the concepts, challenges and techniques associated with designing and implementing an RTP solution
The outlook for US gas
US natural gas prices, which have fallen by 30% recently, are expected to stabilise at current levels or rise from here, analysts say. Longer term, unconventional reserves could dampen prices. William Rhode reports
Implied trees: Valuing exotic options
In this next installment of the Masterclass series, Jim Clark, Les Clewlow and Chris Strickland show how to value exotic options, using a calibrated local volatility surface consistent with market prices