ANZ kicks off domestic benchmark market with A$1.8 billion 2014
Following a subdued start to the domestic market in 2010, ANZ Banking Group (ANZ) (AA/Aa1) issued the first Australian benchmark deal of the year on February 11 with the issue of A$1.8 billion (US$1.6 billion) of fixed and floating rate, unguaranteed four year paper. The issuer says it is well ahead of its funding task for the financial year and may take opportunities to commence pre-funding for 2010/11.
APRA data shows Aussie fixed income super assets declined in 2009
The Annual Superannuation Bulletin released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) on February 10 strongly suggests that the level of local superannuation funds allocated to Australian fixed income dropped significantly in the 2008/9 financial year. The fall was caused by declining asset value and a slightly reduced default allocation to domestic fixed income.
RMBS deal further eases BOQ's need for guaranteed funding
The latest re-entrant to the Australian residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) market, Bank of Queensland (BOQ), says it is under no pressure to source additional government guaranteed funding before the withdrawal of federal support on March 31. With A$850 million (US$737.04 million) in hand from the February 9 RMBS and only one maturity in 2010, while BOQ says it is in a position to choose its funding options on their merits.