Currencies

The rise of populism in Europe has claimed its first capital markets victims. Brace yourself for more.

Belgium defied turmoil afflicting European government bond spreads this week, pulling in big books for a dual tranche euro benchmark. The sovereign's success may have emboldened Finland to follow suit with its own barbell transaction.

The International Finance Corporation received over A$1bn ($761.8m) of orders for a 5.5 year Kangaroo bond on Tuesday –– a size all hoped for, but few expected.

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has pulled a three year dollar deal that was expected to be priced today.

Bank of China started taking bids for a triple-tranche dollar offering on Tuesday, while China Construction Bank is looking to return to the euro bond market after a two year hiatus.

The market for public sector euro issuers is springing back to life after a quiet week, with two benchmarks printed on Monday and a sovereign dual tranche expected on Tuesday. But although traffic is returning, conditions are no longer as supportive as in January.

The International Finance Corporation is set to price a 5.5 year Kangaroo bond on Tuesday — but has already increased the minimum size of the deal by A$200m ($152.8m) in response to a wide range of interest.

The Conservative UK government may be undermining London’s status as Europe’s pre-eminent financial hub with its seeming determination for a clean/hard/sharp/solid Brexit, but potentially more momentous events across the Channel could soon see financiers flocking in the other direction.

Guarantor: Kingdom of Spain

The race for the French presidency has put pressure on the country’s government bonds (OATs), prompting price moves which could have far-reaching consequences for both covered bond issuers and public sector borrowers. Lewis McLellan reports.

The Green Bond Principles could be adapted to include clarification on the types of assets eligible for financing from the market, according to a sustainability consultant at Vigeo Eiris. The topic has grown in importance after France’s debut sovereign green bond last week included intangible assets among its use of proceeds.

French agency Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations is set to follow its sovereign by bringing a debut green bond syndication in 2017, after hiring banks on Thursday to run a roadshow for the potential trade.