The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), which represents the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government (HKSAR government), recently released the results of its three-year Yuan agency bond bidding results. The tender, held on October 24, 2024, showed solid demand among investors, according to the HKMA.
Strong Demand for Treasury Bonds
HKMA offered RMB 1 billion worth of three-year government bonds under its infrastructure bond program. This tender received applications totaling 7.212 billion yuan, resulting in a bid-to-cover ratio of 7.21. This rate highlights high demand, far exceeding the amount available for applications.
Bid results and financial details
The bond issued under code 03GB2710002 had a coupon rate of 2.13%. Investors accepted an average price of 100.54, which corresponds to an annualized return of 1.953%. The lowest accepted price was 100.29 (yield 2.040%) and the average bid price was 99.99 (yield 2.146%).
Additional details of the bid include a pro rata ratio of approximately 45%, which indicates the allocation method used due to high demand. The bond matures on October 28, 2027, and the settlement date is scheduled for October 28, 2024.
Significance of Bidding
The bid is part of the HKMA’s ongoing efforts to develop the local bond market and provide a stable investment vehicle for RMB-denominated securities. The high interest reflects confidence in the HKSAR government’s financial instruments and Hong Kong’s broader economic stability.
The bid results further highlight the growing preference for yuan-denominated bonds as investors seek to diversify their portfolios with assets denominated in the Chinese currency. This trend is consistent with Hong Kong’s strategic position as a leading financial hub, particularly in the area of RMB internationalization.
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