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Santander rescues Spain's failing Banco Popular from collapse - business live Santander rescues Spain's failing Banco Popular from collapse - business live
(35 minutes later)
1.54pm BST
13:54
Manuel Lopez, regulation partner at law firm Ashurst in Madrid, has declared that Santander’s rescue of Banco Popular is a “landmark moment”.
It shows that the Single Resolution Board is determined to resolve failing banks, without involving state money, he says.
This signals that SRB and other EU regulators will take major steps to ensure that taxpayers don’t bear the cost of bank failures – and that they won’t wait until the situation deteriorates too far before doing so.
The shareholders of Popular have seen, overnight, the results of the lessons learned in 2008. This will not be the last such case, and investors will certainly study the result and the financial consequences of this important decision.”
Updated
at 1.55pm BST
1.34pm BST
13:34
Britain’s top advertising magnate, Sir Martin Sorrell, received a rough ride from shareholders today over his pay package, and his own future.
One fifth of WPP shareholders refused to back Sorrell’s latest bumper pay deal, worth £48m, even though the company has tightened its remuneration policy after earlier protests.
Investors also demanded more action on a succession plan for life after Sorrell, who is 76, especially as either side can end his contract with no notice.
1.16pm BST1.16pm BST
13:1613:16
Businesses who are fretting about the election could consider protecting themselves against the pound suffering wild swings when the results come in.Businesses who are fretting about the election could consider protecting themselves against the pound suffering wild swings when the results come in.
Roy Williams, managing director at supply chain firm, Vendigital, explains why sterling volatility could be a problem.Roy Williams, managing director at supply chain firm, Vendigital, explains why sterling volatility could be a problem.
“It’s never too late for businesses to hedge against unpleasant currency-related post-Election surprises.“It’s never too late for businesses to hedge against unpleasant currency-related post-Election surprises.
“The currency markets appear to be banking on a Tory win but the polls are more ambivalent. Businesses operating on low margins with significant imports or exports should consider a late hedge to protect their trading position from exchange rate volatility in the immediate aftermath of the General Election.“The currency markets appear to be banking on a Tory win but the polls are more ambivalent. Businesses operating on low margins with significant imports or exports should consider a late hedge to protect their trading position from exchange rate volatility in the immediate aftermath of the General Election.
“Prior to deciding what to do, businesses need to understand if they are a net importer or exporter to each of their various markets. For manufacturers that are net exporters for example, it would be worth considering locking in their exchange rate for a fixed period of time as part of a bank agreement. This will at least allow them a period of financial certainty to plan against.“Prior to deciding what to do, businesses need to understand if they are a net importer or exporter to each of their various markets. For manufacturers that are net exporters for example, it would be worth considering locking in their exchange rate for a fixed period of time as part of a bank agreement. This will at least allow them a period of financial certainty to plan against.
Another option is to line up suppliers in different regions, to give flexibility depending how the foreign exchange markets move, Williams adds.Another option is to line up suppliers in different regions, to give flexibility depending how the foreign exchange markets move, Williams adds.
12.44pm BST12.44pm BST
12:4412:44
UBS Wealth Management have fired over some analysis of how the financial markets will respond to the result of tomorrow’s general election:UBS Wealth Management have fired over some analysis of how the financial markets will respond to the result of tomorrow’s general election:
None of their scenarios sound particularly appealing, frankly, but here goes....None of their scenarios sound particularly appealing, frankly, but here goes....
Conservative enhanced majorityConservative enhanced majority
Back to business as usual for government.Back to business as usual for government.
Established trends of rising inflation and weak growth in household incomes unlikely to change, weighing on growth in coming quarters.Established trends of rising inflation and weak growth in household incomes unlikely to change, weighing on growth in coming quarters.
Conservative majority, in the case of less than stellar performanceConservative majority, in the case of less than stellar performance
Prime Minister beholden to backbenchers in her party who favour a swift exit and hard Brexit.Prime Minister beholden to backbenchers in her party who favour a swift exit and hard Brexit.
Less likely to see a transition deal.Less likely to see a transition deal.
This results in sharp slowdown in growth as trade falters.This results in sharp slowdown in growth as trade falters.
Firms shift investment from the UK into the EU.Firms shift investment from the UK into the EU.
Labour-led minority governmentLabour-led minority government
Complete change of economic programme for the UK. Domestic policy takes a backseat amid Brexit negotiations, with lack of clarity over which aspects of Labour’s proposals will be implemented.Complete change of economic programme for the UK. Domestic policy takes a backseat amid Brexit negotiations, with lack of clarity over which aspects of Labour’s proposals will be implemented.
Sharp drop in business and consumer confidence amid prospect of unstable coalition, muddled Brexit stance, and higher corporate and business taxes.Sharp drop in business and consumer confidence amid prospect of unstable coalition, muddled Brexit stance, and higher corporate and business taxes.
Downside risks to already below-consensus estimates of 1.4% GDP growth for this year and 0.7% for next.Downside risks to already below-consensus estimates of 1.4% GDP growth for this year and 0.7% for next.
12.24pm BST12.24pm BST
12:2412:24
Sterling subdued ahead of election stormSterling subdued ahead of election storm
The pound has done its best impression of a somnolent sloth this morning.The pound has done its best impression of a somnolent sloth this morning.
Sterling is unchanged on the day, at $1.2907, on the final trading session before Britons trudge to the polls to elect our next government.Sterling is unchanged on the day, at $1.2907, on the final trading session before Britons trudge to the polls to elect our next government.
Traders are eager to find out which (if any) of the rival opinion polls have actually predicted the result correctly. The pound could rally if Theresa May gets an increased majority, but likely slide if the PM manages to actually lose seats.Traders are eager to find out which (if any) of the rival opinion polls have actually predicted the result correctly. The pound could rally if Theresa May gets an increased majority, but likely slide if the PM manages to actually lose seats.
Paresh Davdra of RationalFX says:Paresh Davdra of RationalFX says:
“The pound has remained steady on the eve of the general election. As campaigning reaches its climax, the pound has retreated slightly from the two-week highs seen yesterday but remains stable, as analysts await the election results.“The pound has remained steady on the eve of the general election. As campaigning reaches its climax, the pound has retreated slightly from the two-week highs seen yesterday but remains stable, as analysts await the election results.
The markets are positive about the prospects of Prime Minster Theresa May emerging the winner of tomorrow’s vote, as current polls indicate a secure lead for the Conservatives. However, there is still caution over the remote possibility of a hung parliament or a Labour victory, which investors fear would sink the pound in the aftermath of the election.The markets are positive about the prospects of Prime Minster Theresa May emerging the winner of tomorrow’s vote, as current polls indicate a secure lead for the Conservatives. However, there is still caution over the remote possibility of a hung parliament or a Labour victory, which investors fear would sink the pound in the aftermath of the election.
12.06pm BST12.06pm BST
12:0612:06
Most European stock markets have crept a little high this morning, as traders enjoy a quiet day ahead of tomorrow’s excitement.Most European stock markets have crept a little high this morning, as traders enjoy a quiet day ahead of tomorrow’s excitement.
Spain’s IBEX is lagging behind, with Banco Santander down 2% following its plan to raise €7bn in new capital to cover Banco Popular’s non-performing assets.Spain’s IBEX is lagging behind, with Banco Santander down 2% following its plan to raise €7bn in new capital to cover Banco Popular’s non-performing assets.
Thursday will include Britain’s general election, a European Central Bank meeting, and ex-FBI chief James Comey testifying to Congress.Thursday will include Britain’s general election, a European Central Bank meeting, and ex-FBI chief James Comey testifying to Congress.
Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA, says:Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA, says:
We’re seeing mild gains in the FTSE in what is otherwise a mixed European session this morning. US futures are pointing a little higher ahead of the open, with little direction coming from across the pond.We’re seeing mild gains in the FTSE in what is otherwise a mixed European session this morning. US futures are pointing a little higher ahead of the open, with little direction coming from across the pond.
The UK index has stabilised in the weeks leading up to the election, with the sudden uncertainty around the outcome appearing to be contributing to the moves.The UK index has stabilised in the weeks leading up to the election, with the sudden uncertainty around the outcome appearing to be contributing to the moves.
11.31am BST11.31am BST
11:3111:31
There’s suddenly some drama in the markets, as the euro slides to a four-day low.There’s suddenly some drama in the markets, as the euro slides to a four-day low.
The single currency shed half a cent to $1.122 after Bloomberg reported that the ECB is preparing to cut its inflation forecasts.The single currency shed half a cent to $1.122 after Bloomberg reported that the ECB is preparing to cut its inflation forecasts.
The ECB is getting ready to cut its inflation outlook through 2019, according to Bloomberg reports. #Euro hit across the boardThe ECB is getting ready to cut its inflation outlook through 2019, according to Bloomberg reports. #Euro hit across the board
Government bond prices are also jumping, pushing down the yield (interest rate) on that debt.Government bond prices are also jumping, pushing down the yield (interest rate) on that debt.
Lower inflation forecasts means less chance of the ECB tightening monetary policy soon, and unwinding its huge bond purchase scheme.Lower inflation forecasts means less chance of the ECB tightening monetary policy soon, and unwinding its huge bond purchase scheme.
Bond #yields fall after @business reports #ECB will lower #inflation forecasts! pic.twitter.com/AimzuKHoAhBond #yields fall after @business reports #ECB will lower #inflation forecasts! pic.twitter.com/AimzuKHoAh
11.12am BST11.12am BST
11:1211:12
The Financial Times also argue that the Banco Popular bailout has bolstered the credibility of Europe’s banking sector.The Financial Times also argue that the Banco Popular bailout has bolstered the credibility of Europe’s banking sector.
Their Madrid bureau chief Tobias Buck writes:Their Madrid bureau chief Tobias Buck writes:
Analysts said that the ability of eurozone authorities to decisively step in to wind down Popular and safeguard its assets gives the EU regime new credibility after questions were raised during the tortuous struggle to clean up Italy’s troubled banks.Analysts said that the ability of eurozone authorities to decisively step in to wind down Popular and safeguard its assets gives the EU regime new credibility after questions were raised during the tortuous struggle to clean up Italy’s troubled banks.
“It’s essentially a case of the regulation doing exactly what it was created for,” said Laurent Frings, head of credit research at Aberdeen Asset Management. “But it does show that there is real risk in investing in these second tier names in the banking sector.“It’s essentially a case of the regulation doing exactly what it was created for,” said Laurent Frings, head of credit research at Aberdeen Asset Management. “But it does show that there is real risk in investing in these second tier names in the banking sector.
V good summary of the Banco Popular story by @TobiasBuckFT. Overall very positive for credibility of #BankingUnion. https://t.co/Z3zmAnmU4pV good summary of the Banco Popular story by @TobiasBuckFT. Overall very positive for credibility of #BankingUnion. https://t.co/Z3zmAnmU4p
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.14am BSTat 11.14am BST
11.01am BST11.01am BST
11:0111:01
The rescue of Banco Popular means that attention will now turn to Italy’s financial sector.The rescue of Banco Popular means that attention will now turn to Italy’s financial sector.
Some analysts are speculating on whether any Italian banks will fall into Europe’s resolution mechanism, as some regional lenders are struggling to raise fresh capital.Some analysts are speculating on whether any Italian banks will fall into Europe’s resolution mechanism, as some regional lenders are struggling to raise fresh capital.
Analysts at ABN Amro, though, fear that some Italian banks aren’t as attractive as Popular.Analysts at ABN Amro, though, fear that some Italian banks aren’t as attractive as Popular.
The deal is facilitated by the fact that Banco Popular is actually strong enough to have buyers. Especially their loan book, and diversification to Portugal was of interest. Crucially, the deal could be performed without the need for state assistance. However, in Italy, the banks of Veneto and Vicenza are not in the equivalent balance sheet position as the Banco Popular. It would seem that the large institutions in Italy would be unwilling to take over the banks without the interaction of the Italian state, either via the Atlante fund or another mechanism.The deal is facilitated by the fact that Banco Popular is actually strong enough to have buyers. Especially their loan book, and diversification to Portugal was of interest. Crucially, the deal could be performed without the need for state assistance. However, in Italy, the banks of Veneto and Vicenza are not in the equivalent balance sheet position as the Banco Popular. It would seem that the large institutions in Italy would be unwilling to take over the banks without the interaction of the Italian state, either via the Atlante fund or another mechanism.
The question now is, if Banco Popular has now been stated as ‘failing or likely to fail’ by the SRB, what does this mean for the arguably weaker banks of Veneto and Vicenza banksThe question now is, if Banco Popular has now been stated as ‘failing or likely to fail’ by the SRB, what does this mean for the arguably weaker banks of Veneto and Vicenza banks
10.45am BST10.45am BST
10:4510:45
This chart, from M&S’s Bond Vigilantes team, shows how Banco Popular’s risky bonds have been wiped out by today’s deal (the orange line).This chart, from M&S’s Bond Vigilantes team, shows how Banco Popular’s risky bonds have been wiped out by today’s deal (the orange line).
But senior debt (which is further down the pecking order when a company fails) is not being ‘bailed-in’ to today’s rescue, so its value has actually risen.But senior debt (which is further down the pecking order when a company fails) is not being ‘bailed-in’ to today’s rescue, so its value has actually risen.
Banco Popular to be sold to Santander. AT1 collapses by 90%, senior debt rallies. Not all debt created equal. pic.twitter.com/TAZAjBRv9TBanco Popular to be sold to Santander. AT1 collapses by 90%, senior debt rallies. Not all debt created equal. pic.twitter.com/TAZAjBRv9T
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.56am BSTat 10.56am BST
10.40am BST
10:40
Markets take Banco Popular rescue in their stride
Once upon a time, a failing eurozone bank would have sparked mayhem in the financial markets.
Not today, though. The news that Banco Popular has been acquired for one shiny euro by Santander has caused a notable lack of drama.
And that’s because Europe’s bank resolution mechanism is acting like it was meant to. Shareholders in a failed bank have been wiped out, and crucially so have the riskier bondholders.
Various Banco Popular debt instruments have been written down, or converted into equity which was then handed to Santander, as part of today’s deal.
That means that bondholders who took a risk by holding this debt (which offered attractive returns) are suffering losses, rather than the taxpayer.
James Mackintosh of the Wall Street Journal has tweeted the details:
1. Banco Popular: Mid-sized European bank fails with just a few days' warning, markets don't care.
2. One reason: senior debt will be paid in full. ECB resolution worked, junior debt wiped out. But almost all POP's debt is covered bonds
3. Junior debt being wiped out is the orange, purple and green bits on here, totalling ~€2.4bn, about 10% of total bonds issued pic.twitter.com/GGbrM2HJxN
4. First test of contingent convertible bonds, CoCos, and it's a useful reminder to yield seekers that they come with catastrophe risk
10.24am BST
10:24
The OECD also hiked its growth forecasts for the eurozone and Japan, but didn’t nudge its UK forecasts.
OECD Sees UK Growth Of 1.6 In 2017, 1.0% In 2018 (Both Unchanged)
OECD Sees Japanese Growth Of 1.4% In 2017 (Up From 1.2%), 1.0% In 2018 (Up From 0.8%)
OECD Sees Euro Zone Growth 1.8% In 2017 And 2018 (Up From 1.6% In 2017 And 2018)
10.21am BST
10:21
Angel Gurria, head of the OECD, says we shouldn’t get too excited that global growth is heading for a six-year high of 3.5%.
He told Reuters that:
“Everything is relative. What I would not like us to do is celebrate the fact that we’re moving from very bad to mediocre.
It doesn’t mean that we have to get used to it or live with it. We have to continue to strive to do better.”
10.06am BST
10:06
Something to ponder....
The middle-skill trap illustrated. Great chart from the @OECD's new global economic outlook. https://t.co/dZ83Pbtrlg pic.twitter.com/lLh7FGsnDR
10.00am BST
10:00
This shows why global growth still isn’t ‘good enough’, in the OECD’s view.
9.49am BST
09:49
This chart shows how the OECD expects the global economy to grow faster, but with many of the benefits heading to the richest:
Global Economic Outlook: Better, but not good enough https://t.co/BKRzFSoTtY pic.twitter.com/ydkf0CPaNU
9.47am BST
09:47
OECD raises global growth forecasts, but sees Brexit pain ahead
The OECD’s latest global economic outlook is just out, and it gives a mixed picture.
On the upside, the Paris-based thinktank has hiked its global growth forecast this year to 3.5%, from 3.3% previously. That would be the best performance in six years.
The OECD sees growth rising further to 3.6% in 2018.
But it is also concerned by persistent inequality in the global economy, lacklustre wage growth, and signs that the public are losing faith in their governments.
And it says the outlook is “better, but not good enough”.
OECD: outlook for global economy is 'better, but not good enough' https://t.co/bm0FuYlncc
The OECD has cut its US growth forecasts, but it now more optimistic about China’s economic prospects.
OECD Sees Chinese Growth Of 6.6% In 2017 (Up From 6.5%), 6.4% In 2018 (Up From 6.3%)
OECD: US economy to grow by 2.1% in 2017, down from previous 2.4% estimate. By 2.4% in 2018, down from 2.8%
My colleague Katie Allen has read the report, and explains:
The OECD devoted a significant proportion of its latest report to the possible forces behind a backlash against globalisation. That discontent was seen as a key factor behind Donald Trump’s victory in the race for the US presidency, since when he has pledged to put “America first”. Anti-globalisation sentiment also appears to have boosted protectionist politicians in other countries, including France where the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen made it to the final round of the presidential election but lost to the centrist Emmanuel Macron.
The OECD said international trade had been a “powerful engine of global economic growth and convergence in living standards between countries” but that despite those gains, the backlash against it had been rising.
9.33am BST
09:33
Readers may remember that Santander has a track record on rescuing ailing and troubled banks, including in the UK.
It took over Britain’s Abbey National and Alliance & Leicester before the financial crisis in 2008, and then added Bradford & Bingley savers to its businesses when B&B’s mortgage book was nationalised.
9.24am BST
09:24
Santander's Botin: This is really great news
Santander’s chairman, Ana Botin, has insisted that she came under “absolutely no pressure” from regulators to rescue Banco Popular.
Speaking on Bloomberg TV, she says
This is a transaction that is very good for our franchise in Spain and Portugal. It creates the best bank in both markets.
Botin says that an opportunity arose yesterday to present an offer to the Single Resolution Board, to take over Popular, and she’s impressed by how quickly the rescue was handled.
This is really great news for Europe, for the financial system, for Spain, and for Santander’s shareholders.
Botin says that the deal won’t hurt Santander -- it is sticking with all its financial targets for 2017 and 2018, and will be able to improve on its targets from 2019.
The €7bn of fresh capital is coming from a rights issue, she points out, so Santander’s capital reserves won’t be depleted.
There’s no word on any potential job cuts or branch closures. Botin says:
We are fully committed to supporting both the team and the customers from today.
But what about Popular’s non-performing real estate loans - does Santander really know what it’s taking on?
Botin says her staff did have time to do due diligence on Popular’s assets, prior to making its offer. And with Spain’s economy growing strongly, she’s confident this deal will be a success.
9.05am BST
09:05
SRB: Depositors are being protected
Elke König, chair of Europe’s Single Resolution Board (which triggered Banco Popular’s rescue), says that the deal will protect the bank’s savers.
König also argues that the deal vindicates Europe’s efforts to avoid another financial crisis.
“The decision taken today safeguards the depositors and critical functions of Banco Popular.
This shows that the tools given to resolution authorities after the crisis are effective to protect taxpayers’ money from bailing out banks”.
Here’s the official statement:
The Single Resolution Board adopts resolution decision for Banco Popular