Auckland rates may secure retail bond issue
The start to the new year was much more sedate across the Tasman. ANZ National Bank raised NZ$100 million for three years in the domestic market, priced at 105 basis points over swap, while BNZ, ASB and Westpac all undertook Swiss franc denominated private placements.Westpac raised CHF175 million for three years at 28 bps over Libor, in the first week. Last week, ASB also raised CHF160 million for three years at 30 bps over Libor and BNZ raised CHF200 million for five years at 37 bps over swap.There was also news, just prior to Christmas, that Auckland City Council is considering a retail bond issue with a charge being granted to bondholders over its rates income. The offer is expected to open next month or in March.