$111bn in total debt issuances in 2019, record growth of 17.6%

KUWAIT: Global fixed-income markets continued their positive momentum in the last quarter of 2019 as a coordinated global tightening policy from major Central Banks created a positive backdrop for the asset class. As anticipated, the US Federal Reserve cut its policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) during the meeting in October. This has brought the total number of cuts for the year to three, and lowered the policy rate by 75bps, to a range of 1.50 percent - 1.75 percent.

The reference yield on 10-year US treasury treasuries closed the quarter at 1.92 percent, up 25bps as risks around the US-China trade conflict receded following the announcement of the Phase 1 trade deal. The deal is expected to result in the cancellation of previously scheduled tariffs. Notwithstanding the yield rise in Q4, the reference yield on the 10-year US treasuries closed 77bps lower on a year-to-date basis.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, all central banks in the GCC reduced their policy rates by 25bp, following the Federal Reserve’s steps. Investment grade sovereign issuers in MENA saw their 5-years risk premium tightening by 18bps on average in the fourth quarter. The equivalent spread declined by a larger amount for subinvestment grade countries: CDS of Bahrain and Oman dropped by 60 and 90bps respectively during the same period. The risk premium of all GCC countries declined in 2019 as perceived risk in the region receded.

GCC inclusion in the JP Morgan Emerging Market Bond Index was arguably the larger catalyst for regional fixed-income performance in 2019. The inclusion of the sovereign debt of five GCC countries attracted new inflows and improved the liquidity of regional debt market. Regional fixed-income markets performed in line with their global peers during the year.

Update on Primary Issuances in MENA: MENA entities borrowed a total amount of $18.2 billion in Q4. The financial sector dominated primary deals representing around 65 percent of total volume while governments contributed to 35 percent. Overall, total issuances in the 2019 reached a record level of $111.2 billion, an increase of 17.6 percent when compared to 2018. Issuances were met with a strong demand from a growing investor base and performed relatively well in the secondary market.

Issuances in Q4

Kuwait:

NBK launched a $750 million AT1 perpetual bond with a coupon rate of 4.50 percent

KIPCO borrowed $500 million in 7-year senior bond issuance with a coupon rate of 4.23 percent

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

The Saudi Arabian Government borrowed $2.5 billion with a 10-year sukuk deal. The issuance has a profit rate of 2.97 percent.

Dar Al-Arkan issued a 6-year $600 million sukuk with a profit rate of 6.75 percent.

Arabian Centres borrowed $500 million in a debut 5-year sukuk with a profit rate of 5.38 percent.

United Arab Emirates:

The Abu Dhabi Government owned Mubadala raised $3.5 billion in a three-tranche bond transaction with maturities 5, 10, and 30 years. Another Abu Dhabi related entity, Aldar, borrowed $500 million in a 10year Sukuk deal with a profit rate of 3.88 percent.

Sharjah Government issued a 10-year $750 million Sukuk with a profit rate of 3.23 percent.

Majid Al-Futtaim Properties borrowed $600 million with an 11-year Sukuk deal. The issuance has a profit rate of 3.93 percent.

Dubai Islamic Bank raised $750 million in a 6-year Sukuk with a profit rate of 2.95 percent.

Other issuances:

Masraf Al-Rayan borrowed $500 in a 5-year Sukuk deal. The issuance has a profit rate of 3.02 percent

The Egyptian Government raised $2 billion in a 3tranche deal, with maturities at 2023, 2032 and 2059. The deals have coupon rates of 4.55 percent, 7.05 percent and 8.15 percent, respectively.