Preparing for pressure

Cover story

Investment banks have not faced any major stress in the financial markets for more than 18 months. The last jump in equity volatility was sparked by the Madrid bombings in March 2004 and it was barely noticeable. While some dealers suffered losses from the interest rate spike in the third quarter of 2003, overall losses to the financial community were limited. Meanwhile, credit spreads have contracted sharply since the slew of defaults in 2000/01.

This lack of volatility in the three largest