Credit crunch hits 2007 bond issues by 26.5%

Xtrakter has released figures outlining that a 26.5% ($421.56bn) drop in new bond issues occurred in the second half of 2007. This decline was in contrast to earlier increases made in the first half of the year. Specifically Q3 figures declined by 28.7% ($202.64bn) and Q4 figures declined by 24.8% ($218.94bn) when compared to the same period in 2006.

These reductions contrasted earlier increases of 9.2% ($79.218bn) and 16.9% ($126.972bn) which occurred in Q1 and Q2 respectively. These figures indicate a shift in market forces. Overall this shift resulted in a total decline of 6.7% ($215,379bn) in new issuance figures for 2007.

“This highlights the impact of the credit crunch on the capital market, new issuance figures dropped dramatically in Q3 and Q4 in line with the overall liquidity challenges facing the market” said Kevin Milne, Chief Executive, Xtrakter.

The Euro was again the preferred currency of issue in 2007, capturing 49.6% ($1.479trn) against the US Dollar which was chosen for 30.6% ($913.6bn) of new issues. During the same twelve month period the global capital market increased in total value to $11.5trn in terms of outstanding debt, providing an overall 9.27% increase on 2006 figures.