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Mareto N's avatar

Thank you for the fascinating article. What is the best website or index for a macro enthusiast to follow the CDS of USA and European countries?

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AlphaPicks's avatar

The best sources are typically institutional, but there are also public or semi-public platforms that provide solid visibility. Bloomberg and IHS Markit are both options.

Currently working on some products for subscribers to access soon, though.

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Les Barclays's avatar

If it wasn’t for me watching “the big short”, this would’ve been hard to follow. Thank you for writing this easy-to-follow primer on an obscure financial instrument.

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AlphaPicks's avatar

The movie gives a very good basic overview of what CDS are and what happened in ‘08, but we’re glad you found this one beneficial as we go more in-depth on the topic.

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John D's avatar

"The five-year is trading just above 43bps. This means that for every $1m notional bought, a 0.43% premium is paid annually."

"As mentioned above with JPM, on a $1m notional, that’s circa $43k per year or $10.75k per quarter."

43bps on $1m is $4300.

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AlphaPicks's avatar

Glad readers can pick up on this. The fine details get missed 4,000 words into a primer and self-checking, haha.

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John D's avatar

Good article. Thanks.

How picking up nickles in front of steam rollers was existentially destructive to the CDS writers before the GFC. And to the world financial system.

Wonder if anyone has learned anything. Other than the existence of Uncle Sam's put. Hopefully.

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Jesse Williamson's avatar

“Any way to do 200 million?”

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D K's avatar

thank you

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