11 Jul, 2016

Sovereign Downgrade

By |2016-07-11T02:50:36+10:00Jul 11, 2016|Bonds, Hybrids, Market Commentary|

Following S&P’s announcement on Thursday that Australia’s outlook had been downgraded to “Negative”, the agency stated on a conference call it would be unlikely that Australia’s “local currency rating” would stay at AAA if the “foreign currency rating” is cut. As a consequence of the outlook downgrade some federal government agencies and the state governments of New South Wales, Victoria [...]

6 Jul, 2016

BondAdviser Income Opportunities Model Portfolio Performance

By |2021-09-24T09:50:26+10:00Jul 6, 2016|Bonds, Market Commentary|

The model portfolio return over the 2015-16 financial year was +4.24%, strongly outperforming the benchmark return of +1.98%.   In terms of individual exposures, the portfolio benefited from positive contributors to performance from the Suncorp Convertible Preference Shares II (ASX Code: SUNPC), ANZ Convertible Preference Shares 3 (ASX Code: ANZPC) and the AMP Subordinated Notes 2 (ASX Code: AMPHA), contributing [...]

6 Jul, 2016

Institutional Bond Market Liquidity, the New Reality

By |2021-09-24T09:50:26+10:00Jul 6, 2016|Bonds, Market Commentary|

The concept of liquidity describes the degree to which an asset or security can be quickly bought or sold in the market without having a material impact on price.   Similarly, bond market liquidity refers to the extent to which the bond market allows assets to be bought and sold at stable prices. Cash or cash equivalent securities are the most [...]

22 Jun, 2016

What scenario would result in APRA deeming a Non-Viability Trigger Event?

By |2016-06-22T23:58:29+10:00Jun 22, 2016|Hybrids, Market Commentary|

Since 1 January 2013 all Australian Banks regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) have issued hybrid securities (also known as Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital securities) that include terminology called a non- viability trigger event which is designed to absorb losses in a time of stress while the bank is still a going concern. These loss-absorption triggers allow [...]

22 Jun, 2016

Virgin Update

By |2016-06-22T23:43:50+10:00Jun 22, 2016|Bonds|

Earlier in the year Virgin Australia tapped strategic shareholders for a $425 million loan facility prompting a review of its capital structure to enhance cashflow and profitability.  The last time Virgin went to these shareholders was in late 2013 ($90 million) when the aviation industry was facing poor consumer sentiment and high oil prices. Qantas was in an even worse position [...]

16 Jun, 2016

Crown Resorts: Demerger a positive impact on Sub Notes

By |2021-09-24T09:50:26+10:00Jun 16, 2016|Hybrids, Market Commentary|

On the 15th June 2016 Crown Resort Limited announced to the ASX planned initiatives to “enhance shareholder value”. These initiatives will significantly transform the company balance sheet and provide greater transparency on the underlying assets.   Crown CEO said "The proposed demerger reflects the different nature of Crown Resorts' controlled Australian operating assets from its international investments. It will provide [...]

15 Jun, 2016

Elders Hybrid Update

By |2016-06-15T22:11:02+10:00Jun 15, 2016|Hybrids|

On 10th April 2006 Futuris Corporation Limited (named changed to Elders Limited in 2009) issued perpetual, subordinated, convertible, unsecured notes (ASX Code: ELDPA) raising $150 million. Distributions on these securities are discretionary, floating rate, preferred and non-cumulative. The interest rate margin was set at 2.20% p.a. above the 90-Day BBSW until the First Remarketing Date on the 30th of June [...]

9 Jun, 2016

Four of a Kind – ANZ Issues US Hybrid

By |2016-06-09T04:17:23+10:00Jun 9, 2016|Hybrids|

The increased interest shown by wholesale investors for Additional Tier 1 (AT1) hybrids can be neatly encapsulated by the ANZ launching the first US dollar hybrid offer to overseas investors since 2009. ANZ has been able to obtain an ATO private ruling that allows the bank to issue the hybrid via an offshore branch (London) without having to attach franking [...]

9 Jun, 2016

Increase Risk or Lower Your Return Expectations

By |2021-09-24T09:50:26+10:00Jun 9, 2016|Bonds, Market Commentary|

Given the persistently low interest rate environment, the search for yield is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Central banks’ ‘lower of longer’ stance of interest rates has led to exacerbated returns and the timing of a global economic turnaround is uncertain to say the least. The world is in a state of transition. High-growth emerging markets and cutting edge technology [...]