Markets


mortgages

Mortgage Market Shift: Now More At A Fixed Rate Than A Variable Rate

The prolonged period of low interest rates in which we find ourselves has caused a complete shift in the mortgage market. Last year, coinciding with the key reference 12-month Euribor’s entry into negative territory, fixed rate mortgage loans represented over half the new loans contracted (53.3%), according to figures released by the Spanish Mortgage Association.


Spanish companies affected by Trump's policies

This Is How Trump’s Policies Will Affect Spanish Companies

In general, the economic policies announced by Mr. Trump champion “strong capitalism”, where success is awarded and the reverse, which should be a good thing. But Ahorro Corporacion does not agree that the protectionist measures announced, which in their view imply increased regulation, limit competition and so the efficient assignation of resources, are positive. Analysts have tried to quantify the possible outcome for Spanish companies.



Leverage loans. The next trigger?

Inflation-Linked Bonds: A Safe-Haven In 2017 ?

Miguel Ángel Tramullas | Investment in public debt has traditionally been one of the most popular fixed income assets with both retail and institutional investors. It’s considered as a safe-haven. But in the last few years, it has lost part of its attraction because of lower interest rates which in some places are now in negative territory. To protect themselves, many countries like the US, Japan, the UK, France, Italy and also Spain have begun to issue inflation-linked bonds.


Banco Santander

Santander 2016 Net Profit Up 4% At €6.204 Bn: Best Results Since 2010

Banco Santander posted net profit of 6.204 billion euros en 2016, up 4% from a year earlier and its best results since 2010, supported by a decline in provisions. The bank attributed these results to the “strong” growth in commission revenues and improved credit quality. These factors were contrasted by some currencies’ weakness against the euro and increases in taxes in Poland and the UK.


Spanish small and midcaps

2017 Will Be A Good Year For Spanish Small And MidCaps Funds

Fernando Rodríguez | The outlook for economic growth in Spain continues to be good and domestic small and midcap stocks should reflect this. Above all, the cyclicals – particularly industrials – and consumer stocks. Barón de Ley, Miquel y Costas, Cie Automotive, CAF and Fluidra are some of the top stock picks.


USA stock exchange

Where To invest In Trump’s US?

Since Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections, the markets have seen declines in fixed income securities – bonds have lost 1.5 billion dollars – and rises in equities – with the value of global equities rising by 1.7 billion dollars. The emerging markets have retreated, while there has been an improved performance from cyclical sectors, particularly the financial sector. So we need to ask what will be the best bets for investors once Trump’s presidency begins.


gold and silver

Headwinds Return To Push Gold And Silver

The unexpected weakness of the US dollar continues to provide support to precious metals. Prices gained 1.2% and 2.3% to USD 1,217 and USD 17.2 per ounce yesterday as president-elect Donald Trump said the dollar was overvalued.


The Spanish bank warns The SEC about the effects of Brexit

Santander Will Not Have To Take Fed’s Qualitative Stress Test In 2017

Santander will not have to take the Fed’s qualitative stress test. From this year, only those banks with over $250 billion on their balance sheet. Its US holding has just $142 billion in assets. Not having to take the qualitative part of the test will increase Santander’s flexibility for implementing its plans to reward shareholders (dividends and/or share buybacks).