BIX ARTICLE
Bid-to-cover Ratio in Government Bond Auction
Mar 24, 2021
|
6 min read
Featured Posts
SRI Sukuk: The Journey Towards Sustainable and Responsible Investment
Jul 23, 2020
|
5 min read
Securities Commission's Capital Market Masterplan 3 (CMP3)
Sep 21, 2021
|
2 min read
What If We Allowed Retail Investors to Directly Invest in Malaysia’s Government Bond?
Aug 24, 2021
|
8 min read
Islamic Bonds Come Under Microscope After Garuda Indonesia Default
Aug 19, 2021
|
8 min read
.png "Bid-to-cover Ratio in Government Bond Auction")
Bid-to-cover (BTC) ratio is the term that is often encountered when discussing about the government bond and sukuk issuance which is how the government bond is issued in Malaysia. You can read more about Malaysia government bond HERE.For example, in BIX Malaysia 4Q20 report on the Government Bond Auction in Malaysia, it states that the average of bid-to-cover ratio received by the local government bond, MGS and GII was at 2.113x , meaning the bids or offer prices received is 2.113 times higher than the amount of the bonds being auctioned during the quarter. The BTC ratio is also being mentioned in the US Treasuries auction result.
So, what is this bid-to-cover (BTC) ratio means and what does it measure?
The bid-to-cover (BTC) ratio definition is the amount of bid received for each particular issuance. For example, if the auction sells a RM 5 million bond, and it receives RM 10 million worth of bids, then the BTC for this bond is at 2.0x, indicating there are twice the amount of bid for the bond compared to the available units.
BTC is an indicator of how strong the demand is for the security being auctioned. It measures how much the amount of bids received in the auction compared to the value amount of the security sold. The higher the BTC ratio, the better, as it signals a strong demand for the bond. The BTC of the bond is also compared to the BTC received in the past 12 months for the same bond. It is considered as a successful auction if its BTC is substantially exceeded the average BTC of the same security within the previous 12 months.
On average, the government bond auctions in the 4Q20 received 2.133x bid-to-cover (BTC) ratio, and improvement from the previous quarter, 3Q20 with 1.983x BTC. The GII 05/23, which will mature in May 2023 as shown in the stock name garnered the highest BTC of 3.093x. The bids received by the GII 05/23 is 3.093 times higher than the amount offered to sell in the auction.
There are many possible explanations on why some bonds received low bid-to-cover (BTC) ratios.
Firstly, the amount of bonds the government offers in the auction is too big, which create an excess supply that cannot be fulfilled by existing demands. Secondly, there is a change in appetite towards riskier asset in the market. Government bond is considered as a risk-free asset with guaranteed return of capital. Compared to risky assets like equity, the return from the investment in government bond is relatively lower. When the market expects potential growth and recovery in the economic cycle, rationally they are more inclined to invest in riskier assets with higher return than government bonds. This causes a lower demand for bonds. Lastly, the low BTC in government bond auction can be influenced by the confidence in the currency which the government bond is denominated. Typically, the government will issue a bond in its own currency. When the market projects the currency will depreciate, the demand for the bond especially from foreign investors will decline.
For the next article, we will write more on the system and procedure of Government Bond Auction in Malaysia.
To receive current updates on bond market in Malaysia, subscribe BIX Newsletter for free at the bottom of our website. We send out news updates to our subscribers every Tuesday.
References:
- Securities Commission Malaysia (2009). Malaysian Debt Securities and Sukuk Market: A guide for Issuers and Investors. Retrieved from https://www.sc.com.my/api/documentms/download.ashx?id=9b218a7d-9ce0-47e6-a2e1-2ee38bad11b1
- Bond Info Hub. Retrieved from https://bondinfo.bnm.gov.my/
- Treasury Direct. How Treasury Auctions Work. Retrieved from https://www.treasurydirect.gov/instit/auctfund/work/work.htm
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York (February 2005). The Treasury Auction Process: Objectives, Structure, and Recent Adaptations. Retrieved from https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/current_issues/ci11-2.html
Disclaimer
This report has been prepared and issued by Bond and Sukuk Information Platform Sdn Bhd (“the Company”). The information provided in this report is of a general nature and has been prepared for information purposes only. It is not intended to constitute research or as advice for any investor. The information in this report is not and should not be construed or considered as an offer, recommendation or solicitation for investments. Investors are advised to make their own independent evaluation of the information contained in this report, consider their own individual investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs and should seek appropriate personalised financial advice from a qualified professional to suit individual circumstances and risk profile.
The information contained in this report is prepared from data believed to be correct and reliable at the time of issuance of this report. While every effort is made to ensure the information is up-to-date and correct, the Company does not make any guarantee, representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness, reliability or fairness of any such information contained in this report and accordingly, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates nor its related persons shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever for any consequences (including but not limited to any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits and damages) of any reliance thereon or usage thereof.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
ARTICLE
Nov 01, 2024
|
4 min read
ARTICLE
Oct 08, 2024
|
7 min read
ARTICLE
Sep 02, 2024
|
4 min read
ARTICLE
Aug 07, 2024
|
10 min read