BES sales absorbed

The focus of activity in covered bonds was squarely on Banco Espirito Santo on Tuesday morning with bankers reporting that its one outstanding publicly placed covered bond had widened by 25bp from last Friday. In contrast to the bank’s subordinated debt, which risks being completely wiped out, there is a strong expectation its covered bonds will be fully redeemed on time. However, further mark to market pressure is likely. With Portugal on review for an upgrade, the covered bonds of Santander Totta and CGD present value.