Nordea Markets

Nordea has made extensive use of Nordic currency covered bond markets through the coronavirus crisis and, as spreads have stabilised, has selectively issued senior preferred deals across a broad range of other FX. The bank says it has plenty of time to meet its regulatory funding needs and has no imminent plans to issue subordinated debt given the recent relaxation of capital requirements.

Alberta made its first foray into the Norwegian kroner market on Thursday — the same day that S&P placed the province’s credit outlook on negative.

Denmark has made public the mandate it had given earlier this year to three banks to help it prepare to issue the world’s most unusual green bond, as the work is getting to a more advanced stage. A political decision to issue might come towards the end of this year.

The Republic of Estonia has mandated for a 10 year benchmark bond, as it prepares for its first foray into bond markets since 2002.

Sweden’s Volvo Car, a car maker, has become the latest company under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic to sign a state-guaranteed loan, as bankers say that state support is essential to secure commercial bank loans for the worst affected sectors.

A supranational and a Nordic bank paid rare visits to the Swiss franc market this week. The North American Development Bank (NADB) printed its first deal in two years — its second green bond — while Nordea returned after a five year absence.

The recent maturity of a large Nokkie line released NOK9bn ($904.5m) into the market last week, with some foreign investors eager to reinvest in attractive short end paper.

Norway’s debut syndicated tap went off with a bang on Tuesday, attracting a bumper Nkr37bn ($3.7bn) order book. The deal’s success was driven in part by increased demand from foreign investors for Norwegian govvies.

With the demand for green loans from its members increasing, Kommuninvest printed its tenth green transaction this week, raising Skr5bn ($520m). Despite the increased demand for green loans, Kommuninvest is yet to proceed with its euro green debut.

The Kingdom of Norway is set to sell its first ever syndicated tap. The sovereign hit screens on Monday with initial price thoughts for the reopening of a 10 year Norwegian krone bond.

The Norges Bank surprised the market with an unexpected base rate cut to a record low of zero on Thursday. Since the start of the year, coronavirus volatility and wildly gyrating oil prices have buffeted the value of the kroner.

Issuance in the financial institutions bond market had a preferred senior flavour this week, with issuers finding this the most cost-effective funding compared with other asset classes. In addition, some of them can use it to fulfil regulatory requirements.