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The continued sell-off in global equities is the main driver of the capital markets.  It, along with the push lower in oil prices, are pushing core bond yields sharply lower.

The US 10-year yield is nearing 160 bp having begun the year above 225 bp.    The 10-year gilt yield is at anew record low of 130 bp.  It began the year near 195 bp.  The yield on the 10-year bund is also at new record lows today near 17 bp.  It had begun the year above 60 bp.  The only thing that saves the 10-year JGB yields from going back into negative territory was the fact that Tokyo markets were closed today.

China and Taiwanese markets were still closed for the New Year’s celebration, but Hong Kong re-opened with almost a 4% drop.  The Hang Seng Enterprise Index, which tracks mainland shares, fell nearly 5%.     European bourses have fallen sharply, with most major indices off 2.5%-4.5%.    The Dow Jones Stoxx 600 is off 3.25% near midday in London.  Financials are leading the way with more than a 5% decline., with bank shares off 6.5%.

Poor earnings at a large French bank and ongoing concerns at a large German bank.   There has been much talk of sovereign wealth funds liquidating investments, and some observers are linking this to the sharp decline in financials.    At the same time, the banks’ exposure to the energy sector may also be weighing on sentiment.  In addition, just like the rout, last August tested the ETFs ( the ETFS would open even though all their components may not), the CoCo bonds are being tested now.  On top of this, there is concern about the protection of bondholders under the new Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive.