Elisabeth Afseth

Spanish Bonds Advance as Borrowing Costs Drop Across Euro Region

Spain’s bonds rose after the nation sold 10-year debt at the lowest yield since September 2010 as borrowing costs for governments across Europe declined on bets interest rates will stay lower for longer.

U.K. Gilts Decline Amid Supply, Inflation Concerns; Pound Rises

U.K. gilts declined for the first week in five as the nation began its funding program for the fiscal year starting this month and amid concern inflation may accelerate, reducing the value of fixed payments from bonds.

Pound Falls Versus Euro on Bets Cyprus Contagion to Be Contained

The pound fell from a five-week high against the euro as the bond markets of Europe’s most indebted nations rallied amid optimism Cyprus is moving closer to reaching agreement on an international bailout.

Pound Strengthens on Speculation Slide Overdone Before Budget

The pound climbed the most in two weeks against the euro amid bets its 6.5 percent slide this year has been excessive amid the possibility the government will delay fiscal austerity measures in its budget next week.

German Bunds Rise for 2nd Day as Surveys Show Growth Has Stalled

German government bonds rose for a second day after industry reports added to signs growth in the euro area has stalled, boosting demand for safer assets.

Gilts Climb on European Debt Turmoil as Pound Strengthens

U.K. 10-year gilts rose for the first time in five days as investors sought the safety of British debt on concern political turmoil in the Netherlands and French elections may disrupt efforts to stem the debt crisis.

Barbara Kingsolver Wins 30,000-Pound Orange Prize for Fiction

U.K. 10-year government bonds declined, snapping three days of gains, as advancing stock markets across Europe sapped demand for the perceived safety of fixed-income assets.

Traders Boost German Default Protection on Europe Crisis Woes

Investors are amassing record amounts of insurance on German government debt on concern Europe’s biggest economy will suffer from the region’s worsening crisis.

Spanish Bonds Plunge as Government Boosts Rescue Fund for Banks

Spain’s 10-year bonds declined, pushing yields up the most in four weeks, after the nation’s government bolstered the powers of its bank rescue fund, known as FROB, to restructure troubled lenders.

Spanish, Italian Bonds Gain as Sales Allay Funding Fears

Spanish and Italian bonds rose as debt sales this week allayed concern the nations may struggle to raise funds amid political instability before Italy goes to the polls to elect a new prime minister.

"It's fairly clear that interest rates are going to be low for a very long time and yields are reacting."

- Elisabeth Afseth on Apr 18, 2013

Spain

Italy

HSBC Signals 14,000 Jobs Cuts in $3 Billion Savings Plan

U.S. Stocks Rise on Stimulus Bets as Manufacturing Falls

Shell Targeted With BP in EU Price Fixing Probe for Oil: Energy

Gold Futures Tumble Below $1,400 as Dollar Extends Gains

Singapore Police Accessed Todd’s Hard Drive, FBI Says