The markets breathed a sigh of relief this week for two reasons. The Deutsche Telekom landmark issue was not only successfully digested by the market, but it was increased from $8bn to $14.6bn, and all tranches across the four targeted currencies performed extraordinarily well in the aftermarket, most tranches tightening by 4bp-5bp. Plaudits rained in from all quarters, praising the Deutsche Telekom roadshow team for their frank and open discussions with investors and the lead managers for their efficient co-ordination of a complex transaction. The second piece of good news came from the FOMC. On Wednesday, the Fed left its target rates unchanged, but cited some inflation risks so that analysts are anticipating another rate rise of at least 25bp when the Fed next meets on August 22.
June 30, 2000