Standard Chartered

The Asian dollar bond market is set for a quiet week for issuance because of public holidays across a number of countries and as investors continue to battle volatility induced by Covid-19 and renewed US-China trade tensions.

The Republic of the Philippines printed one of its largest bonds on record this week at exceptionally tight levels, taking $2.35bn from a dual-tranche deal. The sovereign gave investors what they wanted: long tenors, attractive initial pricing levels and full clarity on the impact of Covid-19 on the country, writes Morgan Davis.

The Republic of the Philippines pushed its bond maturities further this week, selling a 25 year note alongside a 10 year portion. The deal raised a combined $2.35bn, making it one of the country's largest trades.

Adani Electricity Mumbai has decided to close its debut offshore borrowing as a club deal with eight banks, bringing an end to long-running discussions about a possible syndication.

Indonesia’s Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) has mandated five banks for a planned $500m refinancing loan. But bankers on the deal warn the terms could change due to uncertain market conditions.

Kookmin Bank has become the first issuer from South Korea to sell an international public bond to combat the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. While virus-response deals are still just a tiny part of Asia’s debt market, bankers say it is set to grow.

Sweden’s Alfa Laval has amended its revolving credit facilities, with the heavy industry products maker consolidating two old deals into one €900m revolver.

Chinese chemical company EcoGreen International Group has returned to the offshore loan market after a three year break for $150m.

Fashion retailer H&M has signed a €980m revolving credit facility to sit alongside its existing main bank line, as the Swedish company becomes the latest to turn to the bank market to bolster its finances during the coronavirus pandemic.

The State of Qatar and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi looked to sell bonds this week in the wake of extreme oil price volatility that has left commodity exporters with fragile fiscal positions.

The top tier of emerging markets sovereigns are cramming into this week’s issuance window, as Abu Dhabi followed Qatar’s Tuesday blowout with a triple tranche bond deal of its own.

The Republic of Indonesia raised $4.3bn from a triple-tranche bond this week, making quick progress in its effort to fund a fiscal stimulus package that it hopes will soften the damage of the Covid-19 pandemic. Morgan Davis reports.