Last week, it was strongly rumoured in the market that Fannie Mae had swapped some or all its $1.5bn long dated issue. On closer inspection this seemed unlikely, as 30 year swap bids firmed and the sub-Libor level available did not seem sufficiently attractive for such a premier borrower. However, early this week, the rumours resurfaced as swap sources said that Fannie Mae was taking 30 year bids. By Tuesday, some swap traders said that perhaps half of the issue had been swapped to floating rate.
May 28, 1999