Sukuk market to remain resilient

Global sukuk market is expected to remain fairly resilient at around US$55bil to US$65bil (RM231bil to RM273bil) this year compared with US$66.4bil last year, despite ebbing global market sentiment, particularly in Malaysia amid the weaker ringgit, according to RAM Ratings. Given the steep fall in crude oil prices that have adversely affected the core sukuk markets of Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the rating agency’s projection takes into account these countries’ government expenditure cuts and potential delays in infrastructure spending. Malaysia’s global leadership last year was underscored by US$23bil of sukuk issuance from corporate and quasi-government sectors.