“Spain’s government on Tuesday announced a package to pump €200 billion into the economy to counteract the effects of coronavirus, and the prime minister warned of “very tough days” ahead.” – by Cristina Gallardo
Best Reads
Libor Transition Plans Could Take Hit From COVID-19 Turmoil (Law 360)
“But depending on how much additional stress the pandemic puts on the financial system in the next two quarters, Chorazak said banking regulators could feel compelled to dial back their expectations for planning progress.” – by Jon Hill
Spain’s move to stop foreign companies swooping spooks BME investors (Reuters)
“We have changed the rules on foreign investment to prevent companies from non-EU countries from taking control of strategic Spanish companies,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday…” – by Jesús Aguado and Belén Carreño
US Fed Cuts Rates to Zero
“The effects of the coronavirus will weigh on economic activity in the near term and pose risks to the economic outlook. In light of these developments, the Committee decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate to 0 to 1/4 percent. “
UK Budget 2020
“The Budget takes place against the backdrop of the global outbreak of COVID-19. The fundamentals of the UK economy are strong and the government is well prepared to protect people’s health and support their economic security throughout this period of temporary economic disruption. The Budget sets out a plan to support public services, individuals and […]
UK government urged to create new onshore fund structure for real assets (IPE)
“The UK government is being urged to fill a gap in its domestic investment management industry by creating a new onshore fund structure for real estate and infrastructure investors.” – by Richard Lowe
Investors relish opportunities EU ‘Green Deal’ will kickstart
“Asset owners say they expect that the European Union’s recently announced “Green Deal” will provide them with a clearer framework to evaluate, measure and participate in sustainable investment opportunities, which are set to increase under the ambitious package.” – by Paulina Pielichata
Varadkar resigns amid warning impasse will hit the economy (The Irish Times)
“None of Varadkar, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin or the Green Party’s Eamon Ryan secured anything close to the number of votes required to be elected Taoiseach and win the mandate to form a government.” – by Colin Gleeson
Intesa Sanpaolo launches €4.9bn bid to buy Italian banking rival UBI Banca (FT)
“Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s biggest domestic lender, has launched a €4.86bn ($5.26bn) takeover bid for its rival UBI Banca in an audacious attempt to kick-start consolidation in Italy’s fragmented banking sector.” – by Stephen Morris, Arash Massoudi and Laurence Fletcher
Property investors’ concern at Sinn Féin housing policies (The Times)
“Some large property investors are “concerned” about Sinn Féin’s housing policies, but other industry leaders think stability is the most important aspect of a government regardless of who is power.” – by Brian Mahon