Explainer: What’s an AT1 bond – and why are Credit Suisse’s now worthless? March 20, 2023 UBS’ rescue deal of Credit Suisse, which will see it buy its stricken Zurich rival at a discount £3bn price, has come with a surprise for holders of Credit Suisse’s AT1 bonds. These risky bonds – which had a nominal value of $17bn – are now precisely worthless. Unsurprisingly, holders of the bonds are less [...]
Hong Kong and Tokyo: Why Asian markets declined after Credit Suisse’ takeover March 20, 2023 Asian stock markets fell on Monday after Swiss authorities arranged the takeover of troubled Credit Suisse amid fears of a global banking crisis. Ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting to decide on more possible interest rate hikes, markets in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney declined. While in Shanghai, stocks edged up. Oil prices also retreated. [...]
Traders nervy at FTSE open after Asian bank stocks tank – despite Credit Suisse rescue March 20, 2023 The global sigh of relief at the rescue of Credit Suisse does not appear to have lasted long, with big banks battered in trading overnight in Asia. HSBC and StanChart both took more than a six per cent hit in Hong Kong as investors, already spooked by volatility in banking across the world, took flight. [...]
Fed set to hike rates by 25 basis points despite turmoil in US banking sector March 20, 2023 The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the ninth time in a row later this week despite widespread instability in the US banking sector. According to Fedwatch there is a 62 per cent chance that the Fed will opt for a 25 basis point hike and 38 per cent chance that it [...]
Gold hits record highs as investors scramble for safety in week of bank turmoil March 20, 2023 Gold prices reached record highs in the UK last week as investors scrambled for safety in the wake of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse and an ensuing banking crisis on both sides of the atlantic.
Bank of England says UK banking sector is “safe and sound” amid Credit Suisse fallout March 19, 2023 The Bank of England moved late on Sunday evening to reassure investors that British banks remain strong despite the global drama in the banking sector, including UBS’ rushed purchase of Credit Suisse. The historic Zurich lender was pulled out of the fire by the Swiss government on Sunday ahead of a bankruptcy which would have [...]
UBS agrees to buy Credit Suisse to avoid “unthinkable” consequences March 19, 2023 THE SWISS government last night brokered a discount $3bn (£2.6bn) deal that will see UBS rescue Credit Suisse from bankruptcy and avoid “irreparable” damage to the global financial system. In an extraordinary press conference last night, the Swiss President said deposit outflows on Friday at Credit Suisse on Friday meant it was “no longer possible [...]
Credit Suisse’s timeline of misfortune March 19, 2023 Credit Suisse is on the verge of being taken over by its Swiss rival UBS having suffered a bruising few years in which the bank has stumbled from one crisis to another. From “tuna bonds” to Greensill, City PM looks back at the series of scandals which have brought the 167-year old lender to the [...]
HSBC won’t ‘smother’ Silicon Valley Bank after rescue deal, says chief March 19, 2023 The boss of HSBC has said the bank will not “smother” the former UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank or overhaul its operations after it swooped in with a £1 rescue deal last week. The UK subsidiary of the California-based start-up lender was snapped up by HSBC just before market open on Monday in a [...]
UBS ‘$1billion’ deal for Credit Suisse to be fast-tracked past shareholders: reports March 19, 2023 UBS’s possible $1bn acquisition of Credit Suisse is being fast tracked to ensure its completion before markets open on Monday morning in a dramatic attempt to preserve financial stability. According to the Financial Times, Swiss authorities are considering using emergency measures to bypass normal takeover rules. It reported that UBS indicated emergency powers would be [...]