US dollar was back with a vengeance yesterday, as it made up 46% of the market volume, compared to just under 5% on Monday. Nineteen trades were announced, many of them for large amounts. Federal Home Loan Banks issued a $500 million non-syndicated trade that matures in one year and has a monthly payment frequency. Bank of Scotland Treasury Services also issued a big trade in the one-year sector. The $200 million note pays interest quarterly. Other large trades came from Abbey National Treasury International (a $100 million two-year trade that pays a final coupon of 4.25%); Hapoalim International (a $150 million five-year note, not due until October 25); and National Australia Bank (a $150 million three-year FRN). Tesco closed a $50 million five-year note that pays interest semi-annually. And Freddie Mac issued a 15-year trade for $50 million. This is the longest-dated US dollar trade in several weeks. Excluding the Deutsche Bank SPV ROCK Two's 20-, 21- and 29-year trades due today, Rabobank Nederland was the last borrower to go longer than 15 years in US dollar, with its $40 million zero coupon 20-year note that was issued on July 19.
August 10, 2001