Following a big market rally on Monday, Credit Suisse shares recovered their losses and ended the day down around 1%. In the wake of a report in the Financial Times that the Swiss bank’s executives are in discussions with its major investors to assuage their concerns over the lender’s finances, the company’s shares dropped as much as 10%. One executive in the talks told the publication that teams at the bank were actively engaging with its top clients and counterparties over the weekend, adding that they were receiving “messages of support” from top investors. Shares ended the trading session down around 1%.
In a statement to CNBC on Monday, the bank said it would provide updates on its strategy review when it releases its third-quarter results, scheduled for Oct. 27. “It would be premature to comment on any potential outcomes before then,” it said. The spreads on credit default swaps, which protect investors against financial risks such as default, rose sharply on Friday. They followed reports the Swiss lender is looking to raise capital, citing a memo from its chief executive, Ulrich Koerner. The stock is down about 60% year to date. “I trust that you are not confusing our day-to-day stock price performance with the strong capital base and liquidity position of the bank,” the CEO said in a separate staff memo obtained by CNBC. The FT said the executive denied reports that the Swiss lender had formally approached its investors about possibly raising more capital and insisted Credit Suisse “was trying to avoid such a move with its share price at record lows and higher borrowing costs due to rating downgrades.” According to Reuters, the bank is undergoing a strategic review involving divestitures and asset sales. There has also been discussion between Credit Suisse and investors regarding raising capital, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter, which includes the possibility that the bank may “largely” exit the U.S. market.
