Debt overhang threatens Kenya’s infrastructure plans

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
External Debt ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Foreign Reserves ◽  
Fiscal Deficits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Overhang ◽  
Alternative Approaches ◽  
Central Bank Governor

Subject Kenya's debt difficulties. Significance Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge recently called for reorganising Kenya’s public debt and exploring alternative approaches to fund fiscal deficits. Increased infrastructure spending over recent years has contributed to a steep rise in debt, causing recurrent spending to increase faster than the development budget this debt is supposed to finance. Impacts Rising commercial external debt will put increasing pressure on the country’s exchange rate and foreign reserves. Institutional weaknesses may threaten the current appeal to restrict overdependence on debt. Corruption scandals may slow or even stall some development projects.

Is public debt hindering economic growth of the Philippines?

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeem Akram
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
External Debt ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Crowding Out ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Overhang ◽  
Real Gdp ◽  
Domestic Debt

Purpose – Over the years most of the developing countries have failed to collect enough revenues to finance their budgets. As a result, they have to face the problem of twin deficits and to rely on external and domestic debt to finance their developmental activities. The positive effects of public debt relate to the fact that in resource-starved economies debt financing (if done properly) leads to higher growth and adds to their capacity to service and repay external and internal debt. The negative effects work through two main channels – i.e., “Debt Overhang” and “Crowding Out” effects. The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of public debt for economic growth and investment for the Philippines. Design/methodology/approach – The present study examines the consequences of public debt for economic growth and investment for the Philippines during the period 1975-2010, by using autoregressive distributed lag technique. Findings – The results reveal that in the Philippines, public external debt has negative and significant relationship with economic growth and investment confirming the existence of “Debt Overhang effect”. But due to insignificant relationships of debt servicing with investment and economic growth, the existence of the crowding out hypothesis could not be confirmed. The domestic debt has a negative relationship with investment and positive relationship with economic growth. Research limitations/implications – First and foremost implication of the study is that heavy reliance on external debt must be discouraged. Therefore, in order to accelerate economic growth, developing countries must adopt those policies that are likely to result in reducing their debt burden, and it must not be allowed to reach unsustainable level. In the case of domestic debt, the present study finds that investment is negatively affected by domestic debt due to the crowding out effect; yet real GDP has a positive relationship with domestic debt. Thus, if policy makers want to use domestic debt as a tool to stimulate real GDP then it must keep an eye on the consequences of domestic debt on the investment. Practical implications – First and foremost implication of the study is that heavy reliance on external debt must be discouraged. Therefore, in order to accelerate economic growth, the Philippines must adopt those policies that are likely to result in reducing their debt burden, and external debt it must not be allowed to reach unsustainable level. In the case of domestic debt, the present study finds that investment is negatively affected by domestic debt due to the crowding out effect; yet real GDP has a positive relationship with domestic debt. Thus, if policy makers want to use domestic debt as a tool to stimulate real GDP then it must keep an eye on the consequences of domestic debt for on the investment. Social implications – It also follows from the estimation results that population growth rate is harmful for the economic growth. So in order to stimulate the growth performance, it must adopt effective population control policies. Similarly, since openness and investment are growth enhancing so there is need for the trade and investment supportive policies. Originality/value – From the review of literature on the issue, it can be broadly summarized that most of the studies are on the relationship of external debt and economic growth, neglecting domestic debt entirely or mentioning it in the passing. Second, most of these studies have been conducted by using panel data. However, as the different countries vary in socio-economic conditions so it is better to conduct the country specific study. The present study is an attempt to fill these gaps in the existing literature.

Mexico debt dynamics accelerate, but are not worrying

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
External Debt ◽  
Fiscal Deficits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Accumulation ◽  
Credit Line ◽  
Debt Dynamics ◽  
Global Liquidity ◽  
The Government

Subject The outlook for public debt in Mexico. Significance Total public sector debt stood at 505.9 billion dollars in May, with external debt accounting for around one third of that amount, according to the most recent Finance Ministry figures. Fiscal deficits have pushed up indebtedness in recent years, but falling costs have provided a counterweight to the debt accumulation. Impacts Only an external shock will significantly diminish Mexico's creditworthiness. Public debt should reach 50-55% of GDP when the government absorbs Pemex's pension commitments. In the case of a global liquidity crunch, Mexico could activate its IMF credit line, allowing it to borrow up to 72 billion dollars.

Russia's central bank will anticipate sanction risks

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Credit Rating ◽  
Bond Market ◽  
Secondary Market ◽  
Foreseeable Future ◽  
Foreign Reserves ◽  
Foreign Investors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Economic Fundamentals ◽  
Sovereign Credit Rating

Significance Because the risk of sanctions was priced into Russian bond prices and the ruble exchange rate, the market reaction to the measures announced on April 15 was muted. US investors can still buy and hold OFZs and Eurobonds on the secondary market, but the prospect of further restrictions are possible. Impacts Sanctions risks will weigh down Russia's sovereign credit rating for the foreseeable future. Diminished liquidity in the bond market will make it difficult to price new Russian corporate debt, particularly for new issuers. Strong economic fundamentals and high foreign reserves will encourage foreign investors to return once uncertainty subsides.

Vietnam's debt woes will concern investors

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Debt ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Foreign Investors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Borrowing Costs ◽  
Fund Development ◽  
Debt Levels

Subject Vietnam's debt difficulties. Significance Vietnam's Finance Ministry announced on May 15 that it would continue to use offshore borrowings to fund development projects, although many economists caution that public debt levels are unsustainable, potentially harming Vietnam's image with investors. There are concerns that government liabilities may be higher than reported, and that recent monetary initiatives, including currency devaluations, may aggravate the situation. Impacts Borrowing costs will rise, and Vietnam could face a credit downgrade if debt limits are reached. Foreign investors will respond cautiously to reforms of infrastructure partnership regulations. Vietnam's ability to capitalise on ASEAN infrastructure integration may be hindered.

scholarly journals External Debt and its Impact on Exchange Rates in the Philippines

2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-103
Author(s):  
Mikayla Mendoza ◽  
Andrew Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Exchange Rates ◽  
External Debt ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Debt Management ◽  
Foreign Reserves ◽  
The Exchange Rate ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

The exchange rate is a crucial macroeconomic factor within emerging and transition economies. External debt is a driving force for the growth of an economy. This study then aims to determine the impact of external debt on the exchange rate of the Philippines by examining the impact of external debt accumulation on the Philippines' exchange rates. The researcher applies a correlational time series analysis in order to capture the impact of external debt, debt services on external debt, and foreign reserves on the exchange rate of the Philippines within the period from 1980 to 2019. The relationships between variables based on the developed theoretical framework are analyzed through multiple regression analysis. Empirical results show that external debt and debt services positively impact the exchange rate, while foreign reserves exhibit a negative relationship. The corresponding coefficients indicate that a change in any of the independent variables will cause significant but marginal fluctuations in the exchange rate in the case of the Philippines. The author concludes that external debt encourages the growth of exchange rates in the long run in the case of the Philippines due to its positive relationship. This implies that the Philippine government should aim to focus on more efficient external debt management strategies to enhance the value of the exchange rate of the Philippine Peso relative to other countries. Accordingly, the researcher recommends that the government take the necessary means to reduce the country's external debt to better the economy.

Economic outlook is improving in Barbados

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Current Account ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
External Debt ◽  
International Reserves ◽  
Economic Uncertainty ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Debt Restructuring ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Imports ◽  
Economic Outlook

Subject Barbados economic outlook. Significance GDP declined by 0.1% in 2019, following the first full year of adjustment under the IMF´s extended fund facility (EFF) programme. All targets were met, including a significant improvement in the international reserves position. Moreover, the completion of the external debt restructuring in December 2019 will help to keep public debt on a clear downward path, thus helping to reduce economic uncertainty. Impacts Barbados will achieve a budget surplus in FY 2019/20 as tax policy reforms bear fruit. The country will continue to benefit from official inflows from multilateral lenders and stable FDI. The current account deficit's narrowing trend will bottom out as machinery and food imports outweigh services exports.

Oman and Bahrain are the most vulnerable Gulf states

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Fiscal Deficits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gulf States ◽  
Remittance Flows ◽  
Debt Levels

Significance Oman and Bahrain, already struggling with rising public debt levels and high fiscal deficits, are in the most exposed medium-term position. Impacts Governments will seek to avoid cutting expenditure on public-sector salaries. Private businesses will lay off many of their expatriate workers. Gulf economic contractions will significantly reduce global remittance flows.

Pressures on embattled Zambian government will grow

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
World Bank ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
External Debt ◽  
The United States ◽  
Bank Loans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Currency Depreciation ◽  
Debt Burden ◽  
The Government

Subject Zambian debt crises. Significance Both the IMF and World Bank have cut their growth projections for Zambia, compounding concerns about currency depreciation, inflation and escalating external debt. Amid public anger at worsening corruption, the government and President Edgar Lungu are struggling to contain mounting dissent. Impacts Lusaka’s ties to China, and criticism from the United States, could undermine future access to concessional IMF and World Bank loans. An opposition alliance will struggle to stay united and withstand authoritarian pressures from the government in advance of the 2021 polls. Growth will be slower than expected this year and next, and currency depreciation will continue to exacerbate the public debt burden.

Empirical determinants of exchange-rate volatility: evidence from selected Asian economies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Rashid ◽  
Mohammad Basit
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Exchange Rates ◽  
Government Spending ◽  
Exchange Rate Volatility ◽  
Foreign Exchange Rates ◽  
Foreign Reserves ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macroeconomic Variables ◽  
Asian Economies ◽  
Spending Volatility

Purpose This paper aims to explore the empirical determinants of exchange-rate volatility (ERV) in selected Asian economies, namely, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan. Specifically, it examines how the volatility of foreign reserves, government spending, industrial production, gold prices and terms of trade affect monthly ERV during the examined period. Design/methodology/approach The authors carry out the empirical analysis by using monthly data for the period January 1997–March 2019. First, the volatility of the underlying variables is measured based on the conditional variances obtained by estimating the univariate (generalized) autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity [(G)ARCH] model for each variable during the study period. Next, the autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH)-Lagrange multiplier test is applied to ensure that there are no remaining ARCH effects in the residuals. Finally, the multivariate autoregressive-moving average-GARCH (1, 1) models are estimated to examine whether and how the volatility of the underlying variables affects ERV. Findings The results reveal that the current period volatility of exchange rates is significantly affected by ERV in the previous period in all selected countries. The results also indicate that the volatilities of the underlying macroeconomic variables are quite differently related to ERV in examined Asian countries. Foreign-reserve volatility (VFXRES) has negative and significant impacts on ERV in Bangladesh, China and Malaysia. Government-spending volatility is negatively related to ERV in India, whereas it is positively related to ERV in all other examined countries. The results also suggest that although terms-of-trade volatility reduces ERV in both Bangladesh and Pakistan, it amplifies ERV in the remaining examined countries. However, gold-price volatility (VGOLDP) significantly, positively contributes to ERV in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia. On the contrary, the higher volatility in industrial production (VIPI) results in lower ERV in Indonesia and Pakistan, whereas it increases ERV in China, India and Malaysia. Practical implications The findings have several important policy implications. First, the findings suggest that both Bangladesh and Malaysia should keep an adequate level of foreign reserves to stabilize their foreign exchange rates. Second, as government-spending volatility has a vital role in determining ERV, it is necessary to bring sustainability and continuity in government expenditures. Bangladesh and Pakistan can stabilize their foreign exchange rates by making exports more competitive, viable and accessible. Originality/value This paper significantly contributes to the existing literature by exploring how the behavior of unexpected variations in the factors determining exchange rates affects ERV in selected Asia countries. Most of the published studies have examined the determinants of exchange rates by considering the macroeconomic variables at their levels. Departing from the existing studies, this paper significantly relates the volatility (second moment) of exchange rate determinants to the behavior of ERV. Further, this paper provides firsthand empirical evidence on this issue for the selected Asian economies.

Pattern of public debt and debt overhang among BRICS nations: an empirical analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-363
Author(s):  
Justin Joy ◽  
Prasant Kumar Panda
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Granger Causality Test ◽  
Capital Formation ◽  
Debt Service ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Overhang ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Domestic Savings

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the pattern of public debt in Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) in a comparative perspective. Besides, an attempt is made to verify the existence of debt overhang as suggested by Krugman (1988) among BRICS nations. Design/methodology/approach Annual panel data for BRICS for the period 1980-2016 has been used for the analysis. Percentage ratio method has been used to analyze the pattern of debt. Panel covariate augmented Dickey–Fuller (pCADF) test has been used to verify the time series properties of the variable, while panel cointegration test of Pedroni (1999) is used to check the existence of any co-integrating vector among the variables. Panel Granger causality test is used to check the causality between the variables. Findings Co-integration result suggests that there exists a strong long-run equilibrium relationship between debt service, domestic savings, capital formation and economic growth of BRICS nations. From Granger causality test, it is observed that domestic savings and capital formation are Granger caused by debt servicing. The coefficients from fully modified ordinary least squares measure a negative impact of debt service on gross capital formation and gross domestic saving. This suggests that the payment for debt service affects capital formation and gross domestic savings adversely. Thus, it gives primary signals for debt overhang effect in BRICS nations. Practical implications Allowing debt service to negatively affect the investment and potential investment will result in slowdown or stagnation in economic growth in the long run, so strategies need to be taken in BRICS nations to check the adverse effects of rising level of debt-service-payment-to-gross national income ratio on domestic savings and capital formation. BRICS nations need to reduce their debt service payment by undertaking appropriate strategy of debt overhaul and fiscal management so that domestic savings and capital formation in the country will not be adversely affected. Besides, BRICS nations need to take measures to augment its domestic savings and capital formations. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no published works have analyzed the pattern of public debt for BRICS (major developing nations). Debt servicing is also not checked for BRICS in recent papers, considering overhang approach.

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