Japanese banks' spreads widen following Nikkei tumble

Credit protection on the debt of Japan’s major banks widened this week as the Nikkei stock index hit a new 20-year low. Investors were concerned that the Nikkei 225 index's fall below the psychologically important 8,000 level - it plunged to 7,862.43 on Tuesday - would prompt banks to report larger-than-expected losses for the fiscal year due to their cross-share holdings.

The bid-offer spread on Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi credit protection was quoted at 55-70bp on Friday, compared with 52/62bp last week. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) was quoted at a bid-offer spread of 90/105bp, out from 84/94bp last Friday; while Mizuho and UFJ both traded at 140/170bp on Friday, out from 135-155bp last week.

One trader noted that Mizuho credit default swaps were also hit when the bank scrapped plans to issue a portion of preferred shares to overseas investors

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

Register

Want to know what’s included in our free membership? Click here

This address will be used to create your account

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here