Speakers at the ANZ-KangaNews New Zealand Capital Market Forum, which took place in Auckland on 21 March, believe the local market continues to offer opportunities despite the obvious challenges of an economy in recession. The everincreasing urgency of the energy transition, a significant infrastructure shortfall and the role of the fixed income market took centre stage in discussions.

Deals from New Zealand issuers in the Australian market revved up in a big way in 2023. There are a raft of reasons why the Kangaroo market should remain attractive to opportunistic New Zealand borrowers into 2024 – provided market fundamentals, including basis swap dynamics, are supportive.

Australian dollar corporate supply in 2023 was hampered by uncertainty amid a higher interest-rate environment and a lack of immediate funding need. This caused some issuers to hold off entirely, while others accessed more competitive offshore capital markets. But by year-end, early signs pointed to a more active 2024.