• European equity markets are wrapping up their worst quarter since 2008. From Reuters News.
• There are some signs of hope that the Fed’s “Operation Twist” will impact the yield curve as intended. It is argued by some that the appetite for risk assets could improve if the program is even marginally successful. From the Wall Street Journal.
• Fixed mortgage rates fell to record low levels on the back of the Fed’s Twist announcement. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.01% for the week ended Thursday, down from 4.09%.
• Venerable U.S. equity indices could end up in a common joint venture as McGraw-Hill and CME’s Dow Jones explore a joint venture. McGraw-Hill could combine its S+P indices business with CME Group’s Dow Jones indexes. From Reuters News.
• A report released by the special inspector general for Tarp asserts that some U.S. banks were allowed to pay back money too soon. Political considerations at Treasury and concerns at banks over compensation caps drove the pressure. From the Financial Times.