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Fitch Ratings has exited its joint venture in China. But far from being a step back, the move could allow the firm to set up a fully owned business. Although Fitch operated in the market for a decade, it was previously forced to play second fiddle to its local partner, said a source.

London-based charity the Wellcome Trust, which funds biomedical research, announced on Tuesday that it plans to become just the third issuer to sell a 100 year sterling bond. The Aaa/AAA rated charity met with investors on Tuesday morning and plans to issue the bonds as early as Wednesday.

Following an investor call on Monday, Dutch energy distributor Alliander received overwhelming support on Tuesday for a new €500m hybrid bond issued alongside a tender offer for its existing €500m 3.25% hybrid. The final order book was more than €3.5bn.

The government of the Emirate of Sharjah is set to become the first issuer from the Middle East to enter the Panda market, after unveiling plans to raise Rmb2bn ($315.9m) from the onshore market.

Dutch energy distributor Alliander announced plans for a new euro hybrid on Monday, alongside a tender offer for the company’s outstanding hybrid. The issuer’s ratings could allow it to set a new low for the product's pricing.

China’s banking regulator prioritises deleveraging of financial institutions and individuals, the Chinese government tightens grip on overseas investment with new guidelines, and regulators encourage financing for the maritime industry in an effort to promote the Belt and Road Initiative.

International investors increase their stake in Chinese bonds and equities, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) records the second highest trading volume for its USDCNH futures, and Luxembourg Stock Exchange promotes green bonds issued by Agricultural Development Bank of China (ADBC).

Ulrik Ross, recently head of public sector and sustainable capital markets at HSBC, has joined Saxo as head of group treasury.

China’s Panda bond market looks set to spring to life this year, with long-awaited guidelines said to be coming within the next two weeks. GlobalRMB takes an in-depth look at the potential for Panda bonds — and the hurdles that need to be cleared.

Sino-Ocean Property Holdings raised Rmb3bn ($469.4m) from the Panda market this week, which marked the issuer's first feat in the asset class in 10 months.

US high-grade corporates began to emerge from earnings blackout but few are predicting the usual flood of bond issuance as fears over rising inflation and the impact of tax reform could keep borrowers on the sidelines.

Italy’s leading gas distribution company Italgas was the latest issuer to benefit from the lack of corporate bond supply so far in 2018, tapping a deal on Tuesday. Investors, starved of paper, have caused order books to be multiple times oversubscribed and issuers have benefited from tight pricing as a result.