Morgan Stanley

Generali was the talk of the FIG bond market this week as it became the first west European financial institution to issue a tier two capital note in green bond format. The insurer’s pioneering spirit reaped rewards, with the green element variously estimated to have shorn 5bp-10bp from its cost of funding. That could tempt other firms to issue subordinated green debt. David Freitas reports.

Two public sector borrowers rode out the tricky conditions in the dollar market on Wednesday to find good demand for new issues. US Treasury yields recorded sharp falls that were due to a range of factors, including the launch of a formal impeachment inquiry into US president Donald Trump.

The postponed listing of the We Company, owner of office provider WeWork, shows that IPO investors are disciplined in their search for growth stories. Banks should recalibrate their relationships with private capital providers, says David Rothnie.

HSBC has finalised its new corporate broking line-up, after a review conducted by its chief financial officer Ewen Stevenson. It has hired Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Merrill Lynch as brokers, replacing Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse.

Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) proved this week that investors are still eager to buy bonds issued by companies with a focus on the Hong Kong SAR, despite the ongoing political turmoil. But that confidence will face a big test as names such as Cathay Pacific and Li & Fung get ready to hit the market. Addison Gong reports.

UK train leasing firm Porterbrook has entered the US private placement market, according to several market participants, seeking to raise debt under its sustainability programme.

Investors gobbled up Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT)’s $500m bond outing, despite a busy day for new issuance and the ongoing turmoil in the Hong Kong SAR.

Kommuninvest kicked off the dollar market this week with a $1.25bn blowout, despite it being at record tight levels over Treasuries, according to a banker on the deal. Following on from Kommuninvest’s deal, a wide range of SSAs look to print across the curve, including rare issuer IDB Invest with its five year dollar bond debut.

French agency SNCF Réseau steamed on to screens on Tuesday with initial pricing thoughts for a tap of its December 2047 green bond.

Banco BPM spied a chance on Tuesday to issue a tier two bond to beef up its capital buffers. The Italian lender launched a 10 year non-call five deal at a 4.25% coupon — 37.5bp tighter than the initial price thoughts.

Chinese sportswear retailer Topsports International Holdings has opened books for its up to HK$9.4bn ($1.2bn) Hong Kong listing.

Budweiser Brewing Company Apac has raised HK$39.2bn ($5bn) after pricing its IPO at the bottom of guidance, and partially using an increase option. It was the company’s second attempt at listing in Hong Kong.