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Contrasting investor receptions in euro and sterling markets but new issue premiums rise in both
Bankers predict steady flow of covered bonds issuance over coming weeks despite recent spike in activity
The conditions are in place for the return of big-ticket M&A to create a European banking champion that is sorely needed — provided the politics of it don’t get in the way
Data
Observers blame slower bookbuilding on deal-specific factors but others see warning shots for whole market
Covered market provides 'the deepest pocket of demand' among FIG asset classes
Capital deals and a tight Nordic senior print point to what lies ahead for issuers
The single currency stands out as the most attractive funding source while the US dollar market remains open in size
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Nobody will forget 2020 in a hurry. It was the year in which a coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe, created economic chaos and forced central banks into swift action. The resulting measures helped to underpin financial markets, bringing yields from record highs in March to record lows in December. But the outlook has always remained uncertain for banks and insurance companies, whose balance sheets are yet to feel the full impact of the crisis. In such a testing year, GlobalCapital wanted to reward the bond deals that achieved stand-out results for issuers — in terms of pricing, execution and timing. The winners are presented here. -
European banks passed a real-life stress test in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic threatened to topple the economy. The experience has improved the standing of subordinated debt, which is becoming more important for issuers and investors alike. Frank Jackman reports.
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Bank financing deals are expected to be on the low side in 2021, thanks to the provision of cheap, easily accessible central bank funding and high deposit inflows. Even so, regulatory funding is requisite and covered bonds will still provide an imperative source of long term funding, writes Bill Thornhill.
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European left-wing politicians have called on the European Central Bank to cancel government bonds it has bought, to help countries suffering in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis. But analysts believe this move would create a lot of political pain and little economic gain.
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Banks are usually fast off the blocks in the January funding window, frontloading their most vanilla issuance and then picking their spots with strategic deals. Covid has put a different spin on the race in 2021, say syndicate officials. Hybrid capital and senior unsecured are likely to get off to a strong start before spreads catch up with economic reality later in the year.
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As countries across Europe tighten coronavirus restrictions in the run-up to Christmas, the European Central Bank saw fit to relax its ban on dividends on Tuesday and pave the way for resumed payments in 2021.
Polls and awards
Cast your vote now to decide this year's covered bond award winners and express your views in our new market survey
Bond market's leading performers recognised at GlobalCapital's annual awards ceremony
The awards recognise the market's leading deals, issuers, banks and other participants
The winning institutions and individuals will be revealed at the awards dinner on June 17 in London
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