Core Insights - The Bank of England (BoE) is considering exemptions for certain firms from proposed stablecoin limits due to industry pushback and increasing competition from the U.S. [1][2] Stablecoin Limits - The BoE plans to ease restrictions on stablecoin holdings for firms needing large reserves, such as crypto exchanges [2] - Previously proposed limits included £20,000 for individuals and £10 million for businesses [2][6] - Firms will be allowed to use stablecoins for settlements in the Digital Securities Sandbox [2] U.S. Competition - The U.S. has established a functional stablecoin framework with the GENIUS Act, providing issuers a clear path to launch and scale [3] - Critics argue that the U.K.'s limitations could hinder its firms' competitiveness [3] Digital Economy - The U.K. is shifting its approach to crypto following a tech deal with the U.S., indicating potential cooperation on digital assets [4][6] - BoE Governor Andrew Bailey acknowledges the potential of stablecoins to drive innovation in payment systems, while also noting the implications for commercial banks [4] Regulatory Changes - The U.K. retail investment market has recently gained access to crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) after a four-year ban [5][6] - The BoE's changing stance suggests a move away from an overly cautious approach to digital assets [7]

Asian stocks ended mostly lower on Wednesday after Wall Street's main indexes pulled back from record highs overnight on the back of mixed messages from Federal Reserve officials on the pace on interest-rate cuts and concerns about a bubble forming around artificial intelligence.Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said tariffs are not driving inflation and the Fed can keep easing policy. Separately, Fed Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari warned that drastic rate cuts would risk stoking prices.M ...

Core Insights - Bullish has announced a corporate banking partnership with Deutsche Bank, marking a significant step towards integrating traditional financial services with the digital asset industry [1] Company Summary - Bullish is an institutionally focused global digital asset platform that provides market infrastructure and information services [1] Industry Summary - The collaboration between Bullish and Deutsche Bank signifies a deeper integration of traditional financial services within the digital asset sector, highlighting the growing convergence between these two industries [1]

Report Overview - The report is a fixed income daily market update by CMBI, covering trading desk comments, macro news, and analysis of various bonds and new issues [1][2] Trading Desk Comments - On Monday, trading flows were light due to holidays in mainland China, Taiwan, and Korea [2] - Asian institutions sold French names like BNP, ACAFP, and SOCGEN, as well as Japanese and Yankee AT1s and insurance hybrids [2] - In Greater China, ZHOSHK 28 tightened 2bps, and EHICAR 26 - 27s were unchanged to 1.1pts higher [2] - In properties, FAEACO 12.814 Perp rose 14.7pts after the coupon deferral notice deadline passed [2] - NWDEVL Perps were unchanged to 0.2pt higher, and NWDEVL 27 - 31s were 0.2pt lower to 0.3pt higher [2] - HYSAN 4.85 Perp was up 0.3pt, and VNKRLE 27 - 29s lowered 0.2 - 0.4pt [2] - FUTLAN 28/FTLNHD 26/LNGFOR 27 - 32s were 0.2pt lower to 0.2pt higher [2] - In Southeast Asia, GARUDA 31s rose 0.9pt, and VLLPM were down 0.2 - 1.0pt [2] - VEDLN 28 - 33s were unchanged to 0.1pt lower [2] - In LGFV space, TAIANH 6.9 07/16/28 and FZSZJJ 7 12/27/27 leaked 0.9 - 1.7pts [2] - This morning, flows remained light with mainland China still on holiday [3] - GARUDA 31s rose 3.1 - 3.9pts, and LASUDE 26 was 2.9pts higher [3] - CHGDNU 48/EHICAR 26 were 0.9 - 2.1pts lower [3] - VEDLN 28 - 33s were 0.1 - 0.3pt lower [3] - IHFLIN 27 - 28 were 0.5 - 0.6pt lower after Moody's placed Sammaan Capital's B2 rating on review for upgrade [3] Top Performers and Underperformers | Security | Price | Change | | --- | --- | --- | | FAEACO 12.814 PERP | 56.7 | 14.7 | | HCELEC 4.65 12/29/26 | 67.9 | 1.4 | | EHICAR 7 09/21/26 | 81.3 | 1.1 | | GARUDA 6 1/2 12/28/31 | 88.8 | 0.9 | | CFAMCI 5 1/2 04/27/47 | 98.0 | 0.8 | | CCAMCL 4 3/4 12/04/37 | 93.3 | -1.7 | | TAIANH 6.9 07/16/28 | 94.3 | -1.7 | | VLLPM 9 3/8 07/29/29 | 49.5 | -1.0 | | FZSZJJ 7 12/27/27 | 99.3 | -0.9 | | TENCNT 3.68 04/22/41 | 85.1 | -0.9 | [4] Macro News Recap - On Tuesday, S&P (-0.38%), Dow (-0.20%), and Nasdaq (-0.67%) were lower [6] - The release of US Aug'25 trade balance was delayed due to the federal government shutdown [6] - 2/5yr UST yield was lower, while 10/30yr UST yield was higher on Tuesday [6] - 2/5/10/30 yield was at 3.57%/3.71%/4.14%/4.73% [6] Desk Analyst Comments - Vedanta Resources (VRL) priced USD500mn VEDLN 9.125 10/15/32 with an orderbook of over USD1.6bn [7] - Net proceeds are for prepaying the 18% private credit facility due Apr'26 [7] - Over 14 months, VRL has raised USD3.6bn in USD bonds, smoothing its maturity profile and lowering funding costs [7] - Analysts prefer VEDLN 9.475 07/24/30 for a better risk - adjusted profile [7] - The new VEDLN 32s trade in line with VEDLN 31s at 9.0% YTW [7] - VEDLN 9.475 07/24/30 trades at 102.2 with 8.8% YTW, offering 46bps pickup over NICAU 9 09/30/30 [7] VRL's Outstanding USD Bonds | Security name | ISIN | Amt o/s (USD mn) | Ask px | YTW | Issue rating (M/S/F) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | VEDLN 10.25 06/03/28 | USG9T27HAH76 | 300 | 103.7 | 7.8% | -/B/B+ | | VEDLN 10.875 09/17/29 | USG9T27HAG93 | 1,200 | 105.4 | 8.7% | -/B/- | | VEDLN 9.475 07/24/30 | USG9T27HAL88 | 550 | 102.2 | 8.8% | B2/B/- | | VEDLN 11.25 12/03/31 | USG9T27HAJ33 | 500 | 107.7 | 9.0% | -/B/B+ | | VEDLN 9.125 10/15/32 | USG9T27HAN45 | 500 | 100.3 | 9.0% | B2/-/B+ | | VEDLN 9.85 04/24/33 | USG9T27HAK06 | 550 | 102.5 | 9.1% | B2/B/- | [8] Offshore Asia New Issues Priced - Muthoot Finance (tap) issued 150mn USD, 5 - year bonds with a coupon of 101.75 and an issue rating of Ba1/BB+/- [11] Pipeline - There are no offshore Asia new issues in the pipeline today [12] News and Market Color - Onshore primary issuances are suspended during the National Day Holiday [19] - Macau logged over 1mn visitors in the first 7 days of Oct'25 Golden Week [19] - Adani Green inked a USD250mn loan from four global banks for refinancing [19] - Garuda Indonesia asked for a USD600 - 800mn injection from Danantara to maintain 51 aircraft [19] - GLP received interest from Middle East institutions for a strategic investment of about USD1bn [19] - LG Electronics India's USD1.3bn IPO sold out on the first day [19] - Canara Robeco AMC, ORIX's Indian JV, plans an IPO of INR13.3bn (about USD149.4mn) [19] - Sinopec is adding at least 169mn barrels of oil reserves [19] - San Miguel was fined for a'misstatement' in its 1H25 earnings report [19]

Core Insights - The unsung hero of Warren Buffett's long-term investing success is dividend stocks, which have significantly contributed to his nearly 20% annualized return over 60 years [2][3] - Buffett's retirement is anticipated to impact Berkshire Hathaway shareholders due to his exceptional track record and investment philosophy focused on value and long-term growth [2][4] Dividend Stocks Performance - Research indicates that dividend stocks have outperformed non-payers, with an average annual return of 9.2% compared to 4.31% for non-dividend stocks over a 51-year period [3] - Companies that consistently pay dividends tend to be profitable and provide a transparent long-term growth outlook, aligning with Buffett's investment strategy [4] Berkshire Hathaway's Holdings - Berkshire Hathaway's long-held stocks, such as Coca-Cola, American Express, and Moody's, have generated substantial yields on cost, with yields of approximately 63% for Coca-Cola and 37% for both Moody's and American Express [6][12] - The cost basis for these stocks is notably low, with Coca-Cola at $3.25 per share, American Express at $8.49, and Moody's at $10.05, leading to impressive returns from dividends alone [10] Dividend Income Generation - Berkshire Hathaway collects over $5 billion annually in dividend income, including traditional payouts and preferred income from investments like Occidental Petroleum [11] - Coca-Cola has increased its annual payout for 63 consecutive years, classifying it as a Dividend King, showcasing the benefits of holding high-quality stocks for extended periods [12] Future Potential - Berkshire Hathaway may continue to generate significant yields, particularly with its stake in Bank of America, which has been increasing its payouts since the financial crisis [13] - The focus on businesses with sustainable competitive advantages, such as American Express, contributes to long-term share price and dividend appreciation [14][15]

Group 1: UBS Funds and First Brands Bankruptcy - UBS funds are facing over $500 million in exposure to the bankrupt auto-parts supplier First Brands Group, with UBS Hedge Fund Solutions holding the largest unsecured claim of $233.7 million [3] - First Brands Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with liabilities exceeding $10 billion, following an unsuccessful attempt to refinance $6 billion in loans [4] - The bankruptcy filing indicated estimated liabilities ranging from $10 billion to $50 billion against assets of $1 billion to $10 billion, raising concerns about broader stress in corporate debt markets [4] Group 2: Japanese Government Bond Yields - The yield on the 10-year Japanese government bond (JGB) rose by 2.0 basis points to 1.695%, nearing 17-year highs amidst political uncertainty and expectations of continued monetary easing under new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi [5][6] - The upward trend in JGB yields reflects a broader market shift as investors respond to changing economic conditions and the Bank of Japan's cautious normalization of monetary policy [6] - The Japanese government faces higher servicing costs on its substantial debt load, which exceeds 250% of GDP, due to rising yields [6] Group 3: Australia's Foreign Exchange Reserves - Australia's foreign exchange reserves increased to A$107.13 billion in September from A$103.9 billion in August, indicating economic stability and capacity for exchange rate management [7][8] - Healthy foreign exchange reserves are crucial for maintaining exchange rate stability, influencing interest rates, and bolstering investor confidence [8] - The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to maintain reserves at historically high levels through 2025, with a focus on diversification into non-traditional assets and currencies [9]

Core Points - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) cut benchmark interest rates by 50 basis points to 2.5%, the lowest since July 2022, due to growth concerns [1] - RBNZ expects inflation to return to its 2% target by the first half of next year, while weak economic activity is anticipated in mid-2025 [2] - New Zealand's GDP contracted by 1.1% year on year in the second quarter, worse than the 0.9% drop expected, attributed to domestic supply constraints and global economic uncertainty [3] - Growth forecasts for New Zealand's trading partners, especially China and Taiwan, have improved, with the World Bank projecting China's economy to grow by 4.8% in 2025 [4] - Domestic inflationary pressures are moderating, with headline inflation at 2.7% for the second quarter, near the RBNZ's target band of 1%-3% [5]

Good Morning, Asia. Here's what's making news in the markets: Welcome to Asia Morning Briefing, a daily summary of top stories during U.S. hours and an overview of market moves and analysis. For a detailed overview of U.S. markets, see CoinDesk's Crypto Daybook Americas.A7A5’s appearance at the recent Token2049 conference wasn’t in contravention of Singaporean law, despite being backed by a sanctioned Russian bank, highlighting the limits of the city-state’s sanctions regime, which applies only to licensed ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the valuation of Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) shares, highlighting the importance of understanding both the price-earnings (PE) ratio and the dividend discount model (DDM) for potential investors [1][7]. Valuation Methods - The PE ratio is a common tool for valuing shares, comparing a company's share price to its earnings per share, with WBC's current PE ratio calculated at 20.5x against a sector average of 20x [4][6]. - A sector-adjusted PE valuation for WBC shares is derived by multiplying the earnings per share ($1.92) by the sector average PE ratio, resulting in a valuation of $38.08 [6]. Dividend Discount Model (DDM) - The DDM is presented as a more effective valuation method for banks, relying on recent or forecasted dividends and assuming consistent or modest growth [8][10]. - Using last year's dividend payment of $1.66 and a blended risk rate between 6% and 11%, the DDM yields a valuation range for WBC shares from $34.05 to $48.64 when considering gross dividends [11][12]. Growth and Risk Rates - Different growth and risk rate assumptions yield varying valuations, with a 2% growth rate and a 6% risk rate resulting in a valuation of $40.25, while an 11% risk rate drops the valuation to $17.89 [13]. Market Context - The financial/banking industry is favored by Australian investors, particularly for dividend income, with major banks operating in an oligopoly, making them less susceptible to foreign competition [3].

Market Overview - Major indexes experienced a decline, ending a seven-day winning streak for the S&P 500, with the Dow down 91 points (-0.20%), S&P 500 down 25 points (-0.38%), Nasdaq down 155 points (-0.68%), and Russell 2000 down 25 points (-1.02%) [1] - Bond yields also retreated, with the 10-year yield at 4.13% and the 2-year yield at 3.57% [1] AI Trade Concerns - There is growing skepticism regarding the sustainability of the AI trade, with questions about whether the current market multiples are justified or if the market is in a bubble [2] Gold Market - Gold prices surpassed $4,000 for the first time, closing at $3,981 per troy ounce, reflecting a +0.76% increase [3] - The rise in gold prices is viewed as a hedge against potential market volatility, particularly as the S&P 500 reached new all-time highs [3] Consumer Credit Trends - Consumer credit saw a significant decline to $363 million in August, down from a $16.0 billion increase the previous month, and well below expectations of $14.0 million [4] - The decline is attributed to deteriorating credit quality, rising credit card balances, and increased delinquencies, with revolving credit down -5.5% year over year [4] Economic Indicators - The data indicates a softening U.S. economy, characterized by a weakening labor market and rising inflation costs, contributing to the pullback in consumer credit [5] - No major economic reports are scheduled for release, and the government shutdown is expected to limit new data availability [6] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) recently cut rates by 25 basis points, bringing the Fed funds rate to 4.00-4.25% for the first time in three years [7] - The next FOMC meeting is anticipated to discuss further rate cuts, although the lack of government reports due to the shutdown complicates the outlook [8]