The dollar denominated new issue market unexpectedly exploded into life this week, and swap spreads were driven tighter. Around $14bn of new debt was priced, making it the busiest week in the bond market since that of June 21. While issuance has yet to resurface in the Euromarket, euro swap spreads were dragged tighter by the expectation that it is only a matter of time before the market is swamped by swappable debt. Throughout the capital markets there are signs that appetite for credit is returning, with obvious consequences for swap spreads.
August 23, 2002