Today they have fallen 22% to a new low of 223p ..are they another Marconi..?



The chart looks like one long suicide note.

"Fitch Ratings downgraded HBOS Plc. and main operating unit Bank of Scotland Plc., citing heightened concerns over the outlook for core parts of HBOS's retail and corporate banking divisions as the U.K. economy and property markets weaken, combined with weaker operational flexibility due to continuing disruption/dysfunction in parts of wholesale funding markets on which HBOS relies quite heavily to finance its customer lending."

this is just hedge funds manipulating the opportunity.

Whilst short selling is a legitimate trading weapon, it can bring companies down so if they can't regulate themselves because of greed, then I'm all for restrictions.

Fitch ratings news was out before the market opened, and HBOS started the first 20 minutes over 200p, it could be a delayed reaction I guess. Whatever it is the situation is not looking good.

Someone should put them down.

"if they can't regulate themselves because of greed, then I'm all for restrictions".

That's why I wouldn't bother buying the banks for recovery. Once this mess is over, the regulators will no doubt enforce lots of restrictions on banking practices. As a result you won't see anything like the profits of the past. It'll also take years to repair balances sheets and confidence. Banks, thankfully, will become very boring, but not necessarily very profitable for share holders.

In my opinion.

Strawbs.

A chap from Blue Planet has been on Bloomberg being very supportive of HBOS and other UK banks. The purchase of bits of US Lehman by Barclays is a very positive sign.

Trading wise, banks and builders is where the money is atm. Historically though banks have been boring and I agree, once this is over they will return to that.

I don't believe banks here will go bust but I do think they might be nationalised to save them.

HBOS in advanced talks with LLOYDS watch the shorts get out now

Robert Peston -BBC- has said Lloyds and HBOS are in merger talks. This guy is the one who gave early warning about Northern Rock and wouldn't make such a statement on the BBC without due thought. He is one clever chap and has impeccable sources. He will be spot on. Brilliant.

If true that could create some "systemic risk" to any hedge funds short at the moment.... LOL.

Strawbs.

Strawbs

How sad!

I hope so, greedy gits

CNBC say the bid is around 300p

Why would lloy pay 300p when they could have picked up shares for half that.

BBC saying that the hedge funds are acting in packs and bringing down companies as and when they feel like it. Who are they going to attack next? Saying FSA need to bring in regulation now but knowing their ineptitude, I shouldn't hold your breath.

In the open market they can only buy 4% before they have to declare interest - then the sahre price will rocket on take over talks anyway

This is great entertainment....one bunch of hedge funds wiping out another bunch of hedge funds... Crazy markets..... :-)

In my opinion.

Strawbs.

With a bit of luck they'll all go tits up and leave the way free for us experts lol

:-)

Hi all..................

This is up / down ............... like the old proverbial.

Good luck if you're tradng.

Be safe
Amar

have been out all morning, but what an unbelievable big-dipper both with HBOS and the markets in general ...... i foolishly, with hindsight, bought too early, but should end up with a good profit at the end of the day