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Green financing has taken root in the syndicated loan market, with structures that reward a borrower with cheaper margins if it manages to hit sustainability targets. These should be applauded: they could have a far greater environmental impact than the use of proceeds technique used for green bonds.
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Banks can start using debt issued by green and small businesses to borrow from the Chinese central bank, markets watchdogs tighten cash withdrawal rules on money market funds, and the banking and insurance regulator tackles excessive corporate borrowing with new guidelines.
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Shanghai and Hong Kong’s stock exchanges say markets were in good form as the MSCI included A-shares in its benchmark, regulators approve new quotas for outbound and inbound investment schemes, and Aberdeen Standard Investments launches Luxembourg-based fund to tap onshore bonds.
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The central bank chief says competition from international institutions is key to improving the Chinese financial sector, the securities watchdog says the first China Depository Receipts (CDRs) will launch soon, and the Ministry of Commerce tells the US to hold back from taxing $50bn of Chinese goods.
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After a year of European elections failing to have much effect on markets, Italy has reminded everyone of the need to know their Mattarellas from their Di Maios. But the country stands apart when it comes to political risk.
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The recovery of Turkish asset prices this week is less the result of prudent monetary policy — though that certainly helped — and more a lesson in the benefits of the personal touch and that markets are, ultimately, populated by humans.
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Cryptocurrencies had an incredible run last year, but for them to really hit the mainstream, their advocates should study the sort of old money institutions many of them oppose: central banks.
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Want to understand Brexit and the future of UK financial regulation? Don’t look to government — the Treasury Select Committee has more power than ever before.
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It’s hard not to feel sympathy for Italian president Sergio Mattarella, who felt obliged to reject the Five Star Movement and Northern League nominee for financial minister to assuage investor concerns, but the decision will likely strengthen Italy’s radical political forces.
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Turkey’s Central Bank is fighting a losing battle, after its latest bid to protect its currency failed to prompt the support from investors that it hoped for. The move brought the CBRT closer into line with international standards, but could soon be irrelevant after elections on June 24.
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The violent moves in Italy’s curve since its president blocked the formation of a populist government may well be a sign of things to come, as government bond markets adjust to the post-crisis world of dwindling bank balance sheet support — and no central bank help.