Nakheel sukuk yields jump with concern over debt refinancing

Nakheel's sukuk yields spiked yesterday, as the developer discusses its options on how to refinance its upcoming debt repayments. Yields for the developer on its Islamic bonds maturing in 2016 hit their highest level since November last year. Analysts said investors were responding to a lack of information over progress with the company's refinancing discussions with lenders. The recent sell-off may have hurt bond investors, but borrowing costs have returned to about the same levels as recently as nine months ago, meaning most issuers would have few difficulties selling new debt if they needed. Funds tracking the HSBC/Nasdaq Dubai UAE US dollar sukuk index have lost money this year, with total returns down 2.7 per cent year to date.