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Bond market growth steady amid global slowdown

Bond market growth steady amid global slowdown

Emerging East Asia’s local currency bond market posted steady growth during the third quarter of 2019 despite persistent trade uncertainties and a global economic downturn, according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Asia Bond Monitor.

“The ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States and a sharper-than-expected economic slowdown in advanced economies and the China continue to pose the biggest downside risks to the region’s financial stability,” said ADB chief economist Yasuyuki Sawada. 

“However, monetary policy easing in several advanced economies is helping to keep financial conditions stable.”

Emerging East Asia is defined as China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Local currency bonds outstanding in emerging East Asia reached US$15.2 trillion at the end of September. This was 3.1 per cent higher than at the end of June. 

Local currency government bonds outstanding totalled $9.4 trillion, accounting for 61.8 per cent of the total, while the stock of corporate bonds was $5.8 trillion. 

A total of $1.5 trillion in local currency bonds were issued in the third quarter, up 0.9 per cent versus the previous three months.

China remained emerging East Asia’s largest bond market at $11.5 trillion, accounting for 75.4 per cent of emerging East Asia’s outstanding bonds. 

Indonesia had the fastest-growing local currency bond market in the region during the third quarter, boosted by large issuance of treasury bills and bonds.

One chapter of the Monitor examines the relationship between bond market development and the risk-taking of banks. The analysis finds that well-developed bond markets reduce the overall risk for banks and improve their liquidity positions. This suggests bond market development can contribute to the soundness of the banking system.

An annual survey included in the report shows increased liquidity and trading volumes in most regional local currency bond markets in 2019 versus 2018. 

It also highlights the need for a well-functioning hedging mechanism and diversified investor base for both government and corporate bonds.

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