Malaysia said planning as much as US$1.5b islamic bond sale

Malaysia plans to sell as much as US$1.5 billion of global Islamic bonds, less than a month after Indonesia's sukuk attracted bids of more than three times the offered amount. The marketing of the notes started on Monday and they will likely have maturities of 10 and 30 years. The proceeds will be used to refinance US$1.2 billion of Shariah-compliant debt coming due in July. Malaysia's sale coincides with a rebound in the ringgit, which has rallied more than 10 per cent this year. A pick up in Brent crude is also brightening the outlook for the oil exporter's finances, just as sentiment is improving after an indebted state investment company sold off assets.