The Index posted a loss of 0.173 per cent to close at 157.33 points owing to the spike in global bond yields as geopolitical tension eased.
The strike in Syria was deemed one-off and both North Korea and South Korea may officially end the Korean War when both countries meet soon.
The MGS yields rose between two bps and 20 bps across the board.
On April 18, 2018, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March 2018.
It shows an inflation rate of 1.3 per cent compared to March 2017. Notably, food and non-alcoholic beverages recorded a 2.8 per cent year-on-year increase.
Top 10 most active bonds:
The trade volume in ringgit bond market remained unchanged with a total trade volume of RM5.8 billion.
The newly issued five-year benchmark MGS maturing on April 20, 2023 recorded the highest trade volume of RM1.8 billion.
Sovereign auction(s):
On April 17, 2018, BNM announced the tender details for the new issue of the five-year benchmark MGS maturing on April 20, 2023 with an issuance size of RM4 billion.
The tender closed on April 19, 2018 with the lowest bid-to-cover ratio year-to-date of 1.563 times. The highest, average and lowest yield came in at 3.78, 3.757 and 3.728 per cent respectively.
The MGS was issued on April 20, 2018.
New issuance(s):
On April 20, 2018, there are few new issuances.
WCT Holdings Bhd issued one tranche of eight-year Islamic Medium Term Notes (IMTN) with a profit rate of 5.65 per cent. The issuance size is RM310 million.
The IMTN is rated AA-IS with stable outlook by MARC.
UMW Holdings Bhd issued a perpetual non-call 10-year sukuk Musharakah with profit rate of 6.35 per cent.
The issuance size is RM1.1 billion. The sukuk is rated A1 and placed on Rating Watch with positive outlook by RAM Ratings.
Cagamas Bhd issued a three-year MTN with issuance size of RM400 million.
The coupon rate is 4.22 per cent. The MTN is rated AAA with stable outlook by both RAM Ratings and MARC.