Demand for New Zealand inflation-linked product is bringing the New Zealand government closer to issuing in this format for the first time in more than 10 years, with an announcement possibly coming as early as May 20 when the national budget is released. The news comes after Transpower Finance (Transpower) (AA/Aa3) launched New Zealand's first corporate inflation-linked bond on April 19, with a minimum size of NZ$75 million (US$53.3 million).
Austria's government-guaranteed export finance agency, Oesterreichiscche Kontrollbank (OKB) (AAA/Aaa) is roadshowing in Australia with hopes of becoming a regular Kangaroo borrower. The roadshow, which is being hosted by Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) and UBS Investment Bank, visits Sydney on April 19 and 20 then Melbourne and Brisbane on the succeeding days.
High-grade issuers say domestic demand for Australian dollar product is strong with interest coming from a number of sectors – not just balance sheet buyers increasing liquid asset holdings in advance of forthcoming new regulations. And while offshore demand is being constrained to a degree by the strong currency Australia is avoiding any significant sovereign debt concerns.
Dexus Property Group (Dexus) (BBB+/Baa1) became the first true corporate borrower to issue a second new domestic bond line since the financial crisis with the pricing of its new April 2017 deal on April 15. The transaction was for A$180 million (US$168.1 million) of new seven-year bonds and came to market alongside a buyback of A$178.9 million of the issuer's outstanding February 2011 bonds.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) (AAA/Aaa/AAA) launched its fifth Kangaroo transaction of 2010 on April 15, announcing plans to sell a minimum of A$400 million (US$373.9 million) in an increase to its seven-year line. The deal will bring the outstanding size of the line to at least A$2 billion, making it the issuer's fifth bond of that size in the Australian market.
The third new benchmark line to be issued by New South Wales Treasury Corporation (TCorp) (AAA/Aaa/AAA) as part of the first two stages of its exit strategy from the Commonwealth government guarantee was launched on April 14. The new May 2020 line, which has a minimum size at launch of A$1 billion (US$928.6 million) was originally expected to price last month.
On April 12 the World Bank (AAA/Aaa/AAA) launched an increase to its November 2016 and October 2019 Kangaroo lines. The transaction, which will price on or before April 14, will be the first time the World Bank has tapped a Kangaroo bond since it last added to its debut issue in January 2000. That line, which was increased twice following initial pricing in 1999, matured in 2003.
Dexus Property Group (Dexus) (BBB+/Baa1) will become the first true corporate borrower to issue a second new domestic bond line since the financial crisis when it prices the new April 2017 deal it launched on April 12. The transaction launched alongside a matching buyback of a minimum of A$100 million (US$93.4 million) of the issuer's outstanding February 2011 bonds.
According to local investors, reduced domestic issuance levels in the banking sector from the record volumes seen in 2009 have not adversely affected pricing levels on bank deals. In fact, some say the steadier transaction flow this year is allowing the market to price offerings more rationally – although there is little sign that the home market premium is on the way out.
CNH Capital Australia (CNH) priced the first Australian asset-backed security (ABS) deal based on equipment loans of the year on April 7, with its A$350 million (US$324.5 million) Receivable Trust Series 2010-1 ABS line. The notes are backed by commercial hire purchase and mortgage contracts over agricultural and construction equipment.
Austria's export credit agency, Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) (AAA/Aaa) revealed plans to visit Australia during the week beginning April 19 in a roadshow organised by Commonwealth Bank of Australia and UBS Investment Bank. The agency, which is explicitly guaranteed by the Republic of Austria (Austria) (AAA/Aaa/AAA), has never issued in the Kangaroo market.
At the expiry of the Australian government's guarantee on new wholesale bank funding on March 31, combined long-term issuance under the aegis of the scheme had passed the equivalent of US$130 billion at current exchange rates. A total of 16 banks issued under guarantee, with volumes ranging from Westpac Banking Corporation's equivalent of US$30.5 billion to Bananacoast Credit Union's US$37 million.