Exide Ind Fds Downgraded

LIC Housing Finance (LICHF) has slashed its interest rates on individual housing loans with effect from June 20. The rates on loans up to Rs 25,000, between Rs 2,00,001-5,00,000 and between Rs 5,00,001-10,00,000 remain unchanged at 12 per cent, 16 per cent and 16.50 per cent respectively. LICHF is now charging 15.50 per cent on loans between Rs 25,001-2,00,00 and 17 per cent on advances between Rs 10,00,001-25,00,000.

Japans debt yield curve is going through an unusual flattening, with short-term yields underpinned by strong fund demand from scandal-hit

Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank. Senior traders said DKB was willing to offer rates a few basis points higher than other banks, pushing up the market level. DKB, at the centre of a payoff scandal, is anxious to secure funds, in case further bad news for the beleaguered bank triggers heavy deposit withdrawals, they said.

Individual depositors pulled out nearly