Global investment banks face tough European choices

Qatar came bursting back onto the bond market at the end of May with a US$9bn triple tranche trade, with a deal that looks set to kick-start more issuance from the country.

Latvia made a roaring return to the bond markets this week, stretching out its maturity profile to print a €650m May 2036 bond at close to its tightest ever spreads.

The rapid rise in hard currency public sector debt in emerging market countries is combining with the weakening of EM currencies to create substantial economic and credit rating risks, Fitch has warned.

Angola’s balance of payments crisis has worsened, even as the oil price begins to rebound, and the government has turned to the International Monetary Fund to help shore up its stricken public finances.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 paves the way for a country more reliant on investments than on oil exports. 

The revelation that Mozambique had not disclosed US$1bn of debt underscores the governance challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa that are undermining investor confidence amid a commodity and currency rout.

With oil prices remaining low, a recent report by Moody’s suggest the banks are feeling the strain.

The French water company Veolia has its eyes on the Middle East, with various new projects in the pipeline designed to help combat climate change.

The Abraaj Group, a leading investor in growth markets, is looking towards opportunities in North Africa, as its investment in the consumer goods company makes clear.

BNY Mellon is strengthening its commitment and focus on the EMEA region with a senior level Markets appointment to a newly-created position. 

Hornsea Project One will be the world’s first offshore wind farm to exceed 1,000MW