#CreditSuisse #Deutsche #bank #Marketupdate
The European banking sector is experiencing a turbulent period, with Deutsche Bank leading the way in a dramatic plunge in stock prices. Shares in the German banking giant plummeted by 15% on March 24th, dipping below €8 for the first time in five months. Concerns over the stability of the European banking system were reflected in soaring credit default swap rates, which reached four-year highs.
This negative trend has been felt throughout the sector, with other European banks also suffering significant losses. Commerzbank fell by 5.5%, Societe Generale by 6.1%, and UBS by 3.6%. The banking industry has been grappling with a challenging set of circumstances in recent weeks, with the UBS-backed rescue of Credit Suisse and turbulence among US regional banks such as Silicon Valley Bank.
Deutsche Bank has been struggling for some time, having lost 20% of its value since the start of the year. The bank's credit default swaps (CDS) spiked to over 200 basis points, their highest level since early 2019. Stuart Cole, Equiti Capital's Chief Macro Economist, noted that Deutsche Bank has been in the spotlight for some time, much like Credit Suisse.
Deutsche Bank's ongoing restructuring efforts have yet to deliver the desired outcomes, and the bank's bonds were also sold off, with its 7.5% Additional Tier-1 dollar-denominated notes falling by almost 3 cents to 72.868 cents per dollar. This raised the yield to 24%, more than twice the level recorded two weeks ago.
The repercussions of the removal of AT1 bonds in Credit Suisse's rescue have raised concerns about a crucial aspect of bank financing, making it more difficult for Deutsche Bank to overcome its challenges. As a result of this turmoil, major banks worldwide have coordinated to provide greater liquidity to the financial system. In the US, the Treasury and the Federal Reserve have confirmed that deposits are guaranteed, but not shareholder investments.
The STOXX 600 European bank index, which does not include shares in Credit Suisse or UBS, has been experiencing one of its most volatile weeks of the year, falling by 2.1%, representing a 17% monthly decline. Deutsche Bank has announced that it will redeem $1.5 billion in a set of level 2 bonds due in 2028, having already issued similar notes in February to replace the ones it is now redeeming.
The recent events in the European banking sector have created uncertainty and instability, raising questions about the industry's overall health. However, coordinated efforts by major banks and regulators worldwide will help to alleviate the effects of this turmoil and provide the necessary support for the sector to recover.
