AOFM gets into its RMBS stride

The week started in the domestic market with the pricing of the second AOFM-backed RMBS issue, this time from Members Equity Bank via SMHL Securitisation Fund 2008-2. Again a total of only $600 millio.. read more

Do not guarantee more than your GDP is worth

Continuing on our theme of recent weeks on the question of the value of a government guarantee of banks' wholesale debt raisings and in particular the subject of last week, that some guarantees are mo.. read more

Poor outlook for Australian REITS

Moody's Investor Service has re-assessed its view on the A-REITS sector, moving to a negative outlook for the next 12-18 months. Moody's says the sector is now facing prospects of a further weakening.. read more

S&P clarifies Elderslie MTN ratings

Back around the end of June, early July, Elderslie Finance was placed in receivership by the trustee of the company's debenture holders, Perpetual. At the same time, due to a deficiency of funds in th.. read more

The end appears nigh for B&B

It is often the way when struggling companies get close to the end that developments move very quickly. This is where Babcock & Brown is now and the rating agencies are struggling to keep up. The.. read more

No Fitch rating for Genworth

Presumably for 'business reasons' Fitch has withdrawn its credit ratings on Genworth Financial Inc., and all of its mortgage insurance operations, including those in Australia. Only in the last month,.. read more

Other rating actions

One company that has been able to use asset sales to advantage its credit rating is AGL Energy. S&P revised the outlook on the 'BBB' long-term rating that it assigns to the company to stable from.. read more

Few follow AOFM into FirstMac

FirstMac on Friday finalised terms for the sale of mortgage-backed securities in which the Australian Office of Financial Management was the cornerstone investor. read more