Currency debasement and inflation have ultimately been bad news for men of modest means. Lincoln Rathnam learns lessons from the history of Emperor Diocletian on why our present penchant for McMansions might point to an Appalachian future.

Improved capitalization set to be credit positive; Related-party lending still a major risk

Issuer says more to come; Market questions wisdom of deal pricing

An onerous tax on banks proposed by the Hungarian government can only further damage an already weakened economy.

US legislation regulating rating agencies should bring healthy competition to the market – if newcomers can meet the costs involved.

Europe’s financial institutions must realize that the price of issuance is unlikely to improve any time soon.

Private equity firms have large amounts they need to put to work, so market discipline might be sorely tested over the next few years.

Last month, European bank regulators tried to reassure the markets that in a severe recession and collapse in European government bond markets, only seven of the 91 leading European banks they tested would face a shortfall in core tier 1 capital ratios below 6%, amounting in aggregate to just €3.5 billion.

Russian bank IIB’s default on a Eurobond pinpoints the Russian state’s power to make or break businesses.

Plan for global gold firm in jeopardy; Kazakh authorities seek greater control over oil assets

Central clearing could erode market share; New exchanges set to take on banks

Central bank governor says ownership concentration must change; Report warns of systemic risk

Hopewell, Citic Bank issue in Hong Kong; Interbank market, investment products launched

Limited liquidity sees block trade commissions rise; Ceemea block trading offers bright spot

Iron ore demand from China plummets; Analysts say shipping glut exaggerates drop in demand