Boston Business Opportunities

Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) — Relative yields on mortgage-backed securities that guide new loan rates fell to the lowest in five months as investors wager the Federal Reserve is on standby to expand its holdings if the U.S. economy or Europe’s sovereign debt crisis worsens. Yields on Fannie Mae’s current-coupon, 30-year bonds ended last week at 94 basis points more than 10-year Treasuries, the narrowest since July 8, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The spread widened to 105 basis points

Olympus’ deadline for submitting revised financial statements on Wednesday poses a challenge not only to the scandal-hit Japanese camera-maker, but also to its external auditors – already under fire for failing to expose the company’s long-running scheme to hide losses. The uproar at Olympus, which has admitted secretly shifting more than Y100bn of investment-related losses off its books beginning in the 1990s, has hit a Japanese auditing industry that has spent years trying to shake off a reputation for looking

(Reuters) – Boeing Co bagged its first firm order for the new 737 MAX fuel-efficient, narrowbody plane, as part of a $19 billion deal with Southwest Airlines that the jet maker calls its largest order ever. The order for 208 narrowbody planes includes 150 MAX aircraft and puts Southwest, a loyal Boeing customer, first in …

By Isabell Witt LONDON | Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:12am EST LONDON Dec 13 (Reuters) – German fashion retailer Tom Tailor Holding AG started talks with banks to refinance its syndicated bank loans to improve financing structure and terms, a company spokeswoman said on Tuesday. Commerzbank, BNP Paribas and IKB have been mandated as bookrunners to arrange a new loan, she said. “Tom Tailor Holding intends to replace its expensive and complex leveraged buyout financing structure,” said Andrea Rolvering, head

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — What’s happening in small business today? 1. Things to consider before picking a franchise. Today’s franchises come in all shapes and colors, from organic gardening to furniture repair. Franchises can offer a clear business plan and solid support system, but business owners should make sure the franchise they choose is right for them. Before signing on the dotted line, according to Business News Daily, business owners should consider how much experience in the chosen industry is