
Doha Bank mandates for USD bond under its $3bln EMTN programme
Qatar's Doha Bank, rated A (stable) by Fitch and Baa1 (stable) by Moody's, has mandated banks to arrange investor meetings beginning on 25 February 2025, for a debt offering, subject to market conditions.
The third largest conventional bank in Qatar by assets, may issue a USD 5-year benchmark fixed rate Regulation S senior unsecured offering under its $3 billion Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme. Doha Finance Limited will be the issuer with Doha Bank providing the guarantee.
ANZ, Deutsche Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, HSBC, Kamco Invest, Mashreq, MUFG, QNB Capital, and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead managers and bookrunners while the Commercial Bank is co-manager.
The Qatari Government owns 23.62% in Doha Bank's share capital, comprised of a 17.15% stake held through the Qatar Investment Authority and a 6.47% stake held by General Retirement & Social Insurance Authority through the Civil Pension Fund.
(Writing by Brinda Darasha; editing by Seban Scaria)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Fitch reaffirms TAQA's credit rating at ‘AA Stable'
7 June 2025 15:42 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Abu Dhabi National Energy Company's (TAQA) long-term credit rating at 'AA' with a Stable Outlook, underscoring the company's robust financial profile and strategic importance to the Abu Dhabi rating reflects TAQA's classification as a government-related entity, with Fitch assuming 'virtually certain' support from the Abu Dhabi government in all financial continues to enjoy the same sovereign rating as the government of Abu Dhabi, based on the expectation that its obligations would be fully supported if needed. Alongside this, Fitch Ratings has maintained TAQA's standalone credit profile (SCP) at 'bbb+', recognising the company's solid operational fundamentals.'The standalone profile reflects TAQA's strong business fundamentals, which are supported by its dominant presence in Abu Dhabi and a substantial portion of regulated and quasi-regulated earnings. We expect higher capex in 2025-2028 to increase its funds from operations,' Fitch Ratings observed in its latest agency highlighted that regulated and quasi-regulated businesses contributed 51% and 34%, respectively, to TAQA's 2024 EBITDA, underlining the company's stable revenue base. 'It has a leading position in Abu Dhabi as a fully integrated utility,' the agency cited several factors that justify the continued strong rating for TAQA, a key player in the region's energy infrastructure. 'We see no effective substitutes for TAQA given its role in the energy system of Abu Dhabi. TAQA has a large share in power generation and water desalination, monopoly in the electricity and water transmission and distribution (T&D), and wastewater treatment,' the report strategic investments have further reinforced TAQA's position. The 2024 acquisition of Sustainable Water Solutions Holding Company (SWS) and an equity stake in Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) have bolstered the company's capabilities as a leading integrated utility. 'A TAQA default could also affect the cost of funding for the sovereign, given its large size and activity on capital markets,' Fitch expects the regulatory framework governing electricity and water T&D in Abu Dhabi to remain stable and transparent, with effective cost-recovery mechanisms that compare favourably to other emerging markets. It also anticipates continued and timely subsidy payments from the state, supporting TAQA's financial ahead, Fitch forecasts that TAQA will receive increased earnings contributions from its associate companies over 2025–2028, amounting to Dh1 billion annually, with half of that expected from ADNOC Gas, in which TAQA holds a 5% stake. 'We do not forecast any dividends from Masdar, given its ambitious growth plans and targets,' the agency remains committed to Vision 2030, particularly in transmission, distribution, water, and power generation. Fitch estimates that Dh8 billion will be injected over 2025–2026, reinforcing TAQA's long-term investment trajectory. 'TAQA also plays an important role in achieving Abu Dhabi's energy targets of 2050, through its commitment to invest around Dh75 billion in 2021–2030, of which Dh26.7 billion were invested in 2021–2024,' Fitch summary, TAQA's reaffirmed rating is anchored in its strong business profile, stable cash flows, supportive regulatory environment, and strategic position in Abu Dhabi's utilities sector, backed by the near-certain support of the government. ADQ, the sovereign wealth fund, holds over 90% stake in TAQA, which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange with market cap of Dh370 billion. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


The National
a day ago
- The National
Bond market is sending out distress signals, but investors don't need to panic
Investors tend to fixate on the stock market, but there are times when the bond market cries out for our attention, too. That's definitely the case today, because it's sending out distress signals. The global bond market is actually the bigger of the two, worth about $140 trillion, compared with $115 trillion for equities. And when bond yields surge, the ripple effects can shape everything from mortgage rates to stock valuations and government solvency. In recent weeks, yields on long-dated US government bonds, or Treasuries, have jumped to their highest levels since the global financial crisis. Investors are demanding more interest to lend to governments awash with debt, at a time when sticky inflation deters central bankers from slashing interest rates. Tom Stevenson, investment director at Fidelity International, said the US 30-year Treasury yield climbed above 5 per cent in May as markets recoiled at US President Donald Trump's new tax cut proposals, known as the 'Big, Beautiful Bill'. That package alone could add more than $3 trillion to US debt, which already stands at a mountainous $36 trillion. It could lift the country's debt-to-GDP ratio from about 100 per cent today to 125 per cent within a decade. 'The prospect of higher borrowing and unsustainable debt servicing costs led Moody's to downgrade the US prized triple-A credit rating. Debt interest payments, already at $880 billion a year, will rise further as a result,' Mr Stevenson says. He sees trouble ahead. 'The US has lived beyond its means thanks to strong global demand for its debt. But confidence is beginning to wane, with investors seeking to diversify elsewhere.' Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial in Dubai, says a similar story is unfolding elsewhere. In Japan, 30-year yields have climbed towards 3 per cent following the weakest demand in a decade. In the UK, 30-year gilt yields briefly touched 5.55 per cent as government borrowing soared. Yet at the same time, stock markets have rallied after Mr Trump paused his 'liberation day' trade tariffs on April 9, Mr Valecha says. 'US markets enjoyed a V-shaped recovery with the S&P 500 up almost 20 per cent, while the tech-focused Nasdaq rose 27 per cent.' The UK's FTSE 100 and Japan's Nikkei 225 are both trading above key technical levels, he adds. But investors shouldn't assume this will continue. 'Global government debt is rising fast, pushing 95 per cent of GDP," he says. "If this continues, debt could reach 100 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade.' Global inflation is also proving sticky, driving up interest rates and yields. That's a warning shot for stock markets. Mr Valecha flags up something called the 'equity risk premium', which measures the difference between what investors can expect from shares and the yield from lower-risk bonds. 'As bond yields rise that gap gets smaller, it becomes harder to justify paying high prices for shares, especially when valuations are already stretched.' The equity rally may continue but it will be bumpier, and careful stock picking is required, Mr Valecha says. Near-zero interest rates Near-zero interest rates allowed governments to borrow freely in the past decade, but that era is now over, says Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Bank. 'Rising sovereign debt is arguably one of the most underappreciated long-term risks to global financial stability.' If interest rates remain elevated, this could crowd out public investment, put pressure on social spending and, ultimately, reduce economic dynamism, she says. High debt levels also suppress growth, which fuels more borrowing in a vicious cycle. 'The fiscal space to respond to future crises is being eroded,' Ms Chanana says. The risk is amplified in emerging markets, many of which have borrowed heavily in US dollars, making debt harder to service if their currencies weaken. Corporate earnings remain resilient but the equity rally may have run its course, she says. 'Further equity upside may require either stronger earnings growth or a clearer path towards monetary easing.' While cash and bonds offer short-term comfort, don't overdo the flight to safety. Ms Chanana warns that higher inflation will chip away at the real return. 'Increased exposure to cash or bonds may not be sufficient to preserve or grow wealth over the long term.' Instead, she favours a diversified approach. 'Equities, particularly those tied to structural themes like AI and digital infrastructure, continue to offer compelling growth opportunities.' While gold has stood bright as a hedge against inflation and economic and political volatility, it also has one big drawback as yields rise – it doesn't pay interest or dividends. Higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, but that hasn't deterred investors yet, with the price up 26 per cent this year. 'Gold still plays a strategic role as a hedge against systemic risk, currency debasement and geopolitical uncertainty,' Ms Chanana says. Should investors turn back to bonds? Tony Hallside, chief executive of Dubai-based brokers STP Partners, agrees that gold still has a role to play in a diversified portfolio but suggests rebalancing towards high-quality fixed income. 'Investment-grade bonds, especially with shorter durations, provide attractive yields while preserving capital. They offer stability and liquidity when markets turn turbulent." 'That doesn't mean abandon stocks entirely, but it does mean being more selective." Amol Shitole, head of fixed income at Mashreq Capital, sees an opportunity in emerging market bonds, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. Mena bonds continue to enjoy haven status due to their superior credit quality, he says. 'We favour the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Morocco for their strong fundamentals and ongoing structural reforms.' He says Mashreq remains underweight on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, citing fiscal risks and tight valuations. He doesn't expect US yields to spiral uncontrollably. 'We believe US Treasuries will continue to benefit from flight-to-safety demand during slowdowns or uncertainty.' In equities, he sees opportunities in small caps and value stocks, particularly as higher interest rates pressure growth sectors. 'A well-diversified multi-asset portfolio including equities, fixed income, gold and alternatives can yield attractive returns of 7 per cent to 7.5 per cent a year.' There is little prospect of a return to ultra-low interest rates, but at least this means bond investors are being rewarded gain. Equity investors must be more careful, but strong companies still offer solid long-term value. Gold remains a valid hedge. As ever, diversification is the best defence.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Sterling holds its own against stronger dollar, trade optimism lends supports
Sterling ticked higher against the dollar on Thursday, one of the few major currencies to hold its own against the greenback which regained ground after weak U.S. data dragged it lower on Wednesday. The pound was up 0.14% at $1.3574, while against the euro it was up 0.1% at 84.16 pence. Sterling remains a touch away from a more than three-year high hit on May 26, underpinned by ongoing dollar weakness with the pound up over 8% this year. Also helping is the fact the UK is the only country to have struck a trade deal with the U.S and was spared from higher U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, though analysts question how beneficial those factors are. "The trade deal does matter," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG Group. "You might argue it's not a proper trade deal and that it doesn't solve all the problems, but at least it's a sign that there's a more compelling reason to hold the pound rather than be worrying about the euro," Beauchamp added. The Bank of England (BoE) will meet on June 19 to deliver its next policy decision with market bets firmly on the monetary policy committee (MPC) keeping rates steady. There had been expectations of a further 25 bps cut from the BoE at its June meeting but bets were slashed following weak economic data and a hotter-than-expected inflation read last month. On Tuesday, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said he was sticking with a "gradual and careful" approach to cutting interest rates as global trade policy turmoil increasingly clouds the outlook. Reassurance came on Wednesday with a survey showing Britain's services sector returned to tepid growth last month. (Reporting by Lucy Raitano and Johann M Cherian, Editing by Ed Osmond)