Nordics

DNB issued a Swedish krona covered bond on Thursday in a size large enough to qualify for the best treatment under the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) and at a more competitive funding level than was available elsewhere. The deal was issued amid renewed hope that Nordic issuers will stay active in euro covered bonds this year.

A softer backdrop on Thursday was not enough to deter financial institutions from entering the euro market, with Deutsche Bank set to sell a new non-preferred senior bond and Finnish insurer Sampo welcoming plenty of demand for a tier two.

The primary euro public sector bond market continued its busy week on Thursday with KfW and KommuneKredit issuing new 10 and 20 year deals, respectively.

DNB successfully issued a Swedish krona covered bond on Thursday in a size large enough to qualify for the best treatment under the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) and at a more competitive funding level than was available elsewhere. The deal emerges in the wake of a report from Moody’s which highlighted the strength of the Swedish covered bond market.

Scope for Nordic covered bond issuance in euros is moderately positive, even in Sweden where some issuers could yet make a strategic return to euros despite the higher cost. Danes and Norwegians may also make an appearance in euros, but Finnish supply hopes are considered more limited.

Activity in the financial institutions bond market has picked up this week after a long pause in euro supply. Danske Bank and Belfius Bank were among the names looking to capitalise on the improving market conditions on Wednesday.

Finland was on track to receive its biggest ever book for a syndication as it came to the market with its third euro benchmark of the year on Wednesday.

The European Investment Bank re-opened the primary euro public sector bond market with a decent outing in the 10 year part of the curve on Tuesday. Finland is next up, hitting screens for a deal of the same tenor expected on Wednesday.

Danish bankers believe that Danish mortgage banks are well capitalised and do not see the need to hold more capital, as was recently proposed by the Danish central bank.

Sweden began a series of calls with investors on Wednesday as it prepares to issue its highly anticipated inaugural green bond through syndication later this month.

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Kommuninvest is launching a pilot programme of sustainability loans. If there is enough demand, these will be funded through the institution's first social bond.