No More Learning

Tight fiscal and monetary policy and poor business and consumer sentiment linger under recession. Real interest rates are steep with inflation at 9 percent and the lending benchmark reduced to 18 percent in June. Reported NPL ratios average 15 percent and provisioning has been lax under local application of dated Basel I capital adequacy and prudential standards. Long-term deposits are less than 30 percent with the existing ban on above one-year acceptance which experts expect to be lifted post-sanctions. Informal intermediaries have been outside supervisory jurisdiction and outcompeted on return and service. A valuation discount prevails where the price-earnings level is under the current 7 times on the Tehran exchange, and the financial sector is just 2 percent of GDP as compared with services at 50 percent and oil at 15 percent.

The IMF in April estimated growth this fiscal year at 4 percent on single-digit inflation, and it urged greater central bank independence and monetary discipline to accompany foreign investor opening. The president and religious Expediency Council choose the governor, who is but one member of the dozen-strong Money and Credit body dominated by other ministries. They are supposed to follow money supply and other targets set in the 5-year development plan, but studies show they are regularly missed as with the 5 percent overshoot of 25 percent expansion since 2011. The big three state-run banks Mellat, Saderat and Tejarat, where direct government ownership was spread to other official funds with 2009 “privatization,” account for two-thirds of exchange-listed assets and are in the worst shape by standard financial and operating measures according to brokerage reports working to convince overseas fund managers to sanction allocation.

The State Department’s Investment Climate Disturbance
2016 July 15 by admin

Posted in: General Emerging Markets
The State Department released its annual compendium of FDI climate statements in 175 countries based on 2015 economic office embassy data and reviews, which mostly found improvement and stability in the six regions covered despite 20- 30 percent deterioration ratios in Africa, the Near East and South Asia. Opaque regulation, corruption and poor property rights and infrastructure were major negatives, while business registration, tax incentive and resource access procedures progressed. The US Trade Representative uses the findings in negotiations, and the reference is cited with the World Bank’s granular “Doing Business” ranking to promote government policy and practical adjustments. The individual entries are typically 20 pages with an almost equal number of sections. Chapters and details have been added in recent years on intellectual property rights, data storage, and state-run enterprises and sovereign wealth funds. Portfolio investment and financial markets are minor categories and outside the exercise’s original purpose, but private sector readers now seek expansion. Simplifying and streamlining the startup process is a key Washington and global objective, emphasized in the UN Sustainable Development Goals for informal economy reduction. It is particularly of interest to small and mid-size firms that my need special consideration which the publication attempts to track. State-owned companies have mushroomed the past decade in the developing world, and the statements focus on preferential funding, raw material and procurement treatment as well as corporate governance standards and environment and social responsibility. With sovereign wealth funds, their domestic/foreign and active/passive investor roles are explored, and labor is also an important component with hiring and rights condition in the spotlight.

Kenya was presented as a sample good performer with “strong” monetary policy enabling lower inflation in the 5-8 percent range and exchange rate volatility than in neighbors. UNCTAD reports it as a popular hub for oil and gas and manufacturing. New company and insolvency acts were passed in 2015, but the Transparency International ranking is 140 out of 170 with “almost daily” corruption scandals. Terrorism an insecurity remain obstacles after the Westgate Mall attack, but US firms are active in many sectors and the Millennium Challenge Corporation places the country above the median on half its economic, social and governance indicators. However foreign control is limited in sensitive industries like insurance and telecoms, and the level is capped at 60 percent for Nairobi Stock Exchange listings. Privatization is active through PPP arrangements, and capital repatriation and remittances are unrestricted outside reporting requirements. The capital markets are East Africa’s most sophisticated and retail bonds can be bought on a mobile money platform, although long-term government and corporate issuance is undeveloped. Regional regulators are working on integration initiatives and Citibank is among the foreign banks represented. The $400 million in US FDI should be on notice against political and tribal violence heading into 2017 elections, the report cautions. The MSCI frontier gauge was flat through mid-year on another spate of violence between the ruling and main opposition party likely to endanger predicted 5-6 percent growth. The State Department has a travel warning there to accompany the upbeat climate statement with fund managers also jostled by the rejigged juxtaposition.



Financial Inclusion’s Anguished Acceptance Angles
2016 July 15 by admin

Posted in: Global Banking
Mainstream global banks through the IIF and microfinance provider Accion International released a survey of two dozen emerging market experiences with financial inclusion, which highlighted traditional bank importance as a channel while relating commercial and policy obstacles hampering progress. The definition goes beyond simple account-holding to encompass a full credit and insurance product range and associated education and training. Unbanked and under-banked customers in low and middle-income economies are a $400 billion market, according to management consultant Accenture and of the $700 million new accounts opened in this category from 2011-14, 90 percent were in brick and mortar intermediaries with the remainder mobile-phone innovators. The bottom income category with deposits rose from 40 percent to 55 percent of the total over the period, but less than 5 percent were in mobile money, and the focus of the IIF-Accion survey is thus on retail commercial banks. Among well-known names with a long history are Turkey’s Isbank, South Africa’s Standard Bank, and Pakistan’s Habib Bank, and they combine business development with social responsibility mandates and target rural and remote households, informal entrepreneurs and women without credit scores. Kenyan and East European banks have insurance company partnerships, and ATM and e-money technology evolution are priorities. They try to compete with platforms like Peru’s BiM that can be accessed with cheap smart phones, the report points out.

Digital payments for government, business and personal purposes are used for processing and cross-selling, often through payroll advances to companies. However connectivity can be compromised by lagging infrastructure and power supply, and a big deterrent is the lack of trust in the automated chain. Banks have put agents in place to assure clients and ensure quality control, but turnover is a problem and the cultural preference for cash is strong throughout the developing world. Commercial banks can have dedicated microfinance divisions such as HSBC in India and Santander in Brazil, which has over 350,000 borrowers with an average loan of $800. Rural credit unions in China sponsor these schemes, and fintech firms have also entered the space upon launch. Data collection and analysis through proprietary programs are advancing rapidly, with Commercial Bank of Africa an example of an algorithmic approach for immediate approval of one-month facilities. Credit bureaus contribute to this information, but their output is often inadequate or missing for a real-time customer profile. Even with aggressive recruitment “dormancy” is an issue with 40 percent of South Asian adults not tapping their account for a year or more, or running it down to zero balance. According to a Global Financial Literacy study, only one-third of clients have proper understanding of savings alternatives, and banks have started their own public service efforts in addition to simplifying offerings. Reaching break-even level and profitability are long struggles, and even when the latter is accomplished it only lasts for 3-5 years until margin and scale squeezes. Policymakers can aid growth through less onerous identity and criminal reporting requirements, removal of interest rate restrictions, better data sharing protocols and improve regulator capacity. The Basel Committee could also ease capital rules for this limited high-risk activity, and regular official dialogue should also be private sector-inclusive, the report recommends.



Russia’s Devoid Davos Divination
2016 July 8 by admin

Posted in: Europe
Russian stocks led the region with a 20 percent MSCI index bump in the first half, as Central Europe crumbled on Brexit fears and Turkey’s gain was halved to single digits with cabinet reshuffling and an Istanbul airport terror assault. President Putin and his team, with technocrat former Finance Minister Kudrin back as an influential adviser, cited broad currency and financial market recovery at the annual Saint Petersburg forum nicknamed “Russia’s Davos,” but Western business executives and fund managers continued to stay away with Ukraine-related sanctions due to be extended another six months. The central bank slashed rates for the first time in a year around the meeting, even though inflation is double the 4 percent target as recession may linger into 2017. FDI has been absent despite a sharp reduction in reported capital flight and repeated senior official promises to protect company rights. The $50 billion Yukos international arbitration award was overturned on appeal in favor of the Kremlin, and allies have bankrolled a new film about the Hermitage-Magnitsky affair accusing them rather than tax authorities of abuses and responsibility for a $250 million fraud. The effort coincided with government proposals to raise taxes over the medium term to tackle the widening fiscal deficit at 3 percent of GDP, and reserve fund depletion as it struggles to cover mandatory pension payments. Prime Minister Medvedev was widely mocked on social media for a senior citizen exchange wishing her luck without a requested payment hike. Minority stakes in listed state companies may also be unloaded for revenue, but representatives are not considering a large scale privatization program. These firms were ordered to remit half of their earnings in dividends, but failed to meet the standard as a handful of executives try to revamp corporate governance practice. Another external sovereign bond may be in the works after May’s controversial $1. 75 billion issue at half the target sum, but settlement network Euroclear will not participate in the transaction with the continuing US and EU boycott according to underwriters.

A breakthrough in Russia-Turkey relations came as President Erdogan apologized for downing a jet over Syria, and President Putin seemed to reciprocate the gesture by no longer discouraging tourism, already off 50 percent this year, to his neighbor. The relief will be hard to tap in the face of the end-June Istanbul airport bombings and shootings, with Islamic State following a strategy in Egypt and Tunisia to target foreign visitors. Kurdish rebels in contrast have focused on domestic sites mainly associated with the security forces. The tragedy followed buoyant Q1 consumption-driven GDP growth at almost 5 percent, as the current account gap was 1. 5 percent through April against a solid capital account surplus. The lira stabilized despite an interest rate cut under the new central bank chief, as a longtime Erdogan loyalist took over as prime minister and former Merrill Lynch economist Simsek was retained as deputy. However his portfolio may be curtailed according to reports, and European investor sentiment in particular has been poisoned by continuing fights over the visa-refugee deal and Armenian genocide recognition as festering bilateral spats.

Stock Markets’ Swirling Snapback Snub
2016 July 8 by admin

Posted in: General Emerging Markets
MSCI core and frontier indices cancelled each other out with a respective 3 percent gain and decline through the first half, as momentum flagged on a combination of region-specific event and lingering global debt and growth woes. Europe stumbled with the Brexit surprise, while Asia felt a temporary safe haven surge and Latin America moved with commodity and new leadership shifts. The BRIC category was down 1 percent as poor China and India performance was a drag, although losses were confined to single digits. Indonesia jumped almost 15 percent as big emerging economy flows were diverted and a rate cut preserved 5 percent GDP expansion. Thailand (+17 percent) was the Asian winner after another public investment package was announced despite the junta’s continuing unpopularity and unwillingness to set a civilian rule return timetable. The Philippines finished right behind Jakarta as President Duterte was inaugurated in a no-frills ceremony on a tough law and order and prudent economic management platform expected to appoint technocrats to top economic policy positions. Taiwan outpaced the mainland with a 6 percent rise as its first female president took office and shied away from cross-strait anti-free trade talk prominent during the campaign. Korea (+ 2 percent) got end-period allocation with sudden post-Brexit yen appreciation aiding international competiveness and fiscal stimulus to help domestic demand. In Central Europe only Hungary (+9 percent) stayed positive after the EU’s first departure as Greece( -23 percent) was at the bottom of the overall index with its own Grexit specter revisited despite the Troika’s approval of a delayed EUR 7. 5 billion infusion. Russia (+20 percent) was the runaway leader while Turkey managed half that advance in the face of an Istanbul airport terror strike with tourism already off 50 percent year to date. Latin America had the pacesetters Brazil and Peru, both ahead over 40 percent with veteran politicians in charge promising to enact overdue structural reforms. The former also expects a lift from the summer Rio Olympics, despite the host’s emergency bailout appeal to the federal government. The latter elected a former Finance Minister and private equity executive president and staved off MSCI demotion to frontier status with a push to increase listings and foreign investor access.

Latin America’s sole frontier representative Argentina (+17) percent was the pack best there, as IPOs appeared after a long absence and the capital account swelled on flight repatriation and record external bond issuance. Europe suffered from Brexit reverberations, but the Baltics were relatively insulated and Ukraine was up 5 percent with the IMF due to disburse a withheld program installment in the near future. Pakistan (+10 percent) was buoyed by restoration of core universe standing and near completion of its Fund arrangement, while Bangladesh (+3 percent) began to turn sentiment with a crackdown on Islamic fundamentalists allegedly responsible for plotting journalist attacks. In Africa Ghana and Nigeria both tumbled over 20 percent as the latter was at the frontier bottom post-devaluation. Kenya was barely positive with party acrimony and rally incidents heading into another presidential election, while Zimbabwe (-6 percent) slid on severe dollar shortage and confusion over local currency reintroduction and President Mugabe’s health, with no successor in line unlike the queues at ATMs and supermarket

Brexit’s Early Slammed Door Drift
2016 July 1 by admin

Posted in: Europe
The UK vote to leave the EU was an immediate surprise for global financial markets with large selloffs, as neighboring emerging economies in particular with close commercial and credit links tried to assess lasting effects pending treaty renegotiation. Although sell-side analysts were wrong on the outcome, they have not swung to doomsday scenarios predicting EU economic and political collapse but caution about a likely rocky medium-term path. British and European GDP growth forecasts have been shaved around 0. 5 percent through next year, but the decision could further slow world trade stagnating since 2010 and cross-border capital flows that have also reversed from recent historic trends. Another risk is anti-EU backlash spreading among new Central Europe members, but the latest poll shows negative majority sentiment only in the Czech Republic. UK export and banking ties are modest in comparison to the loss of structural funds that my accompany withdrawal, with Hungary and Poland large recipients, and the two could likewise experience British tourist decline. They can ease fiscal and monetary policy to offset the shock, and most East European FDI comes from the continent rather than across the English Channel. In the broader EMEA bloc half of South Africa’s direct investment is UK-based, but through financial services and mining holding companies with a global footprint. Worker remittances are another channel and account for 0. 3 percent of GDP for Croatia but Nigeria and other developing countries outside Europe would be far more vulnerable at 15 percent. In bank lending British groups are involved most heavily in Sub-Sahara Africa and in Zambia, Ghana and Kenya in particular. GCC relationships are also prominent for petrodollar recycling, while in Europe claims on Turkey lead at 2. 5 percent of GDP. Asia has been removed from direct Brexit consequences, but China may shift near-term currency and capital account regimes toward incremental, neutral stances as it tries to avoid a repeat of last summer’s upsets. In Latin America Spanish bank presence could come under additional pressure after an indecisive election re-rerun, and commodity recovery could be sidetracked by the stronger safe haven dollar. However US Federal Reserve tightening may be shelved indefinitely, but Venezuela meltdown cannot be ruled out either to test the hemisphere’s crisis management.

External corporate debt issuance was suspended with the 52-48 departure nod as the annual total could struggle to reach $200 billion, on the low end of projections. JP Morgan calculates Europe revenue for its hundreds of index components at just 5 percent, with paper producers having the top exposure at almost 30 percent. It argues that currencies, with 2-4 percent emerging Europe falls in the immediate aftermath, and commodities could further roil the asset class after the dust settles with gold and silver in the latter category among the few gainers as precious metal refuges. European banks could be a distinct weak spot with lower valuations and emerging economy lines, but borrower demand has also lagged with deleveraging. Many Asian names without hedged pound positions could feel temporary bottom line damage and Chinese banks with a major UK presence could find progress blocked despite new Yuan clearing arrangements.

GDP-Linked Bonds’ Grueling Growth Pains
2016 July 1 by admin

Posted in: General Emerging Markets
With GDP warrants prominent features of the latest Greece and Ukraine commercial debt restructurings, although yet to pay off as with Argentina’s pre-recession, and the international community still in search of new crisis risk-sharing mechanisms, development of standard growth-indexed bonds is again an agenda item for the IMF and central banks like the Bank of England. They have hosted conferences and plan to refine policy, practical and legal guidelines for trial issues where growth swings in both directions would affect returns. Investors have been wary of the downside and often presume a pricing premium despite offsetting portfolio diversification benefits, while governments tend to be more favorable due to the automatic fiscal stabilization. Early experience with “value recovery rights” during the Brady swap era could have presaged such instruments but application was poorly understood and led to periodic payment clashes especially with underlying global commodity market changes as that asset class likewise evolved. A current impetus is high developing economy debt levels averaging 50 percent of GDP, a three-decade peak, according to the IMF as the equity-like functioning would promote deleveraging. Draft term sheets put the structure in local currency and nominal GDP terms and annual or semi-annual installments. Tax and regulatory treatment can encourage transactions, as with the CoCo contingent debt for global banks spurred by Basel Committee capital standards. They would be senior protected by a pari passu clause and could fall under English, New York or local laws with collective action clauses for majority restructuring under a model template. Statistical integrity is a chief consideration in light of Argentina’s manipulation experience and refusal to follow IMF methodology. A Fund “fall back” could be triggered on challenge to national authorities, and if availability and credibility are totally lacking, early redemption may be an option.

The embedded debt relief could avoid the “too little, too late” scenario the Fund’s Policy Review Department cited in recommending fresh resolution approaches, and private sector fund managers argue that with this imperative initial GDP-linked issues could be partially subsidized to lower pricing and hesitation. As they gain acceptance the sustainability formula must be adapted for program analysis and technical assistance should concentrate on poorer economies with limited debt management capacity. Index eligibility, credit ratings and tradability are other factors. The warrant market was aided by the ability to strip it from the broad instrument and dealers willing to act as separate counterparties, but current market-making scope is constrained by prudential and legal provisions such as Dodd-Frank in the US. The political cycle works against issuer interest as value will likely not be realized until several governments complete terms, and foreign investor opening may not be a desired outcome even if it reduces costs. With higher eventual worldwide rates priority will revert to safe allocation that could constrain GDP-linked novelty, observers caution. If the niche is to expand official Paris Club and EU holders may have to exchange old exposure, and this alternative may be in the mix for future debt forgiveness in Greece to be studied with Germany’s last minute acquiescence linked to release of an overdue EUR 7. 5 billion emergency infusion.

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Corporate Debt’s Maturity Wall Wobble
2016 June 26 by admin

Posted in: General Emerging Markets
After a 35 percent dip in 2015 external corporate bond issuance is predicted to retreat further to the $200-225 billion range this year, with buybacks leaving net financing need negative, according to sell-side houses. JP Morgan’s CEMBI index is up over 5 percent, as the average spread over Treasuries steers toward 350 basis points from 400 basis points with current calm, aided by continued state support for quasi-sovereign default candidates like Brazil’s Petrobras. From 2017-20 the tranquility may not last with a spike to $200 billion in annual maturities, over one-third from speculative grade or unrated companies, and half by region in Asia. However the bank in recent research tries to offer reassurance that investors will not take their lumps with the lumpy profile. It points out that reduced capital spending has improved leverage ratios, and the liability management focus should extend over the medium term to slim the amount outstanding while overhanging country risks Brazil and Russia still refrain from participation. BIS figures through end-2015 reflect diminished cross-border loan exposure in the same vein with $3. 5 trillion in claims, a 15 percent decline from the preceding year top. China and Europe accounted for $500 billion of the $700 billion drawdown, with Latin America off slightly and the Mideast/Africa the sole riser on Gulf oil exporter project and budget funding demand. The maturity hump as a portion of total bonds through end-decade at 55 percent is in line with historic trends, although 2017’s alone at over 10 percent is high, the analysis acknowledges. However the high-yield contingent is constant at around 35 percent, and they have been most affected by the current 3. 5 percent asset class default rate. By country China and Korea have the highest obligations coming due at $65 billion combined, but local investor support can bridge the gap. Sanctioned Russian issuers owe $25 billion in 2017 but can rely on sovereign backing, and geopolitical and ruble pressures have also eased. The government just re-entered the external market to pave the way for corporates, but many global portfolio managers demurred because of the lingering boycott, which may not be lifted without a broad East Ukraine settlement. Turkey is a worry but repayments are not heavy until 2018, and in Brazil half of the universe is financials without rollover difficulties so far throughout the constitutional crisis and deep recession. Calls and tenders are a new sudden complication but positive for the asset class overall in terms of cash flow and future burdens, the study notes. Bank subordinated debt designed to comply with Basel capital guidelines has been routinely called at the first eligible date, although the practice could change with proposed updated rules.

Industry group EMTA reported that corporate trading was 15 percent of total Q1 volume of $1. 2 trillion, up over 10 percent from the previous quarter. Sovereign bonds were 20 percent and 65 percent was local paper, reflecting continued strong domestic preference among the fifty firms surveyed. Mexican instruments were the most popular at almost one-fifth of turnover, followed by Indian and Brazilian ones with respective 15 percent and 10 percent shares. China and South Africa ranked behind them in standard activity, while Turkey joined Brazil in the CDS lead with their general walls of worry.

Pakistan’s Heartfelt Historic Hump
2016 June 26 by admin

Posted in: Asia
Pakistan shares led the MSCI Asia frontier pack with a 5 percent gain through May in anticipation of the index provider’s reinstallation as a core member, and another favorable IMF review as the program approaches breakthrough September successful completion. The market was relegated to the lower less-liquid tier in 2009 after authorities periodically suspended trading under financial crisis overhang, when international support facilities were also on hold for economic and geopolitical reasons. GDP growth has revived to 4. 5 percent and the central bank continues to cut rates on inflation around the same range. Foreign reserves reached $17 billion or four months imports in April aided by a lower current account deficit, and the rupee has been stable while appreciating in real terms. All Fund targets with the exception of tax revenue have been met, including bank overhaul and state enterprise privatization acting as equity catalysts. On the debt side domestic and external sukuk issuance has been a priority and drawn in new investors, and energy and infrastructure projects won cash and technical backing from China and Iran. Prime Minister Sharif has touted these successes despite his notoriety following “Panama paper” revelations of offshore accounts. He has also given the army free reign for anti-terror and militant operations, contributing to improved security sentiment in the view of business community representatives. Opposition party leader and former cricket star Khan has resumed corruption attacks on his tenure, but failing health may pose a more serious challenge after he underwent open-heart surgery to an uncertain prognosis. Rumors persist that he may soon step down, but no next-generation successor seems in line to fill the void, leaving traditional influential family politicians and the military again to determine the choice.

Sri Lanka slipped for the period as it inked its own $1. 5 billion IMF arrangement supplemented by another $650 million in bilateral and multilateral aid… This year’s fiscal deficit goal is 5 percent of GDP and monetary policy should also tighten to slash 25 percent annual credit growth concentrated in consumer lines. Capital outflows have reduced reserves to $6 billion but the central bank has refrained from heavy currency intervention as it follows advice for more flexibility. The President has agreed to cooperate with the UN and human rights groups on abuse investigations during the civil war era, and to devolve power to the Tamil-dominated north under a tentative formula. His party is also pressing claims against the longstanding predecessor for alleged misuse of office, but his family is protected as sitting parliament members by immunity rules and grassroots patronage through their wealth. Mongolia was previously considered an MSCI Index entry candidate, but prospects have faded with another election due at end-June showing a tossup between the main two parties and a large undecided vote. The economy advanced 3 percent in Q1on net exports, while domestic consumption and investment stalled. The second phase of the giant Oyu Tolgoi mine is set for the coming months, as FDI doubled to $225 million through April. The OT project in joint venture with Australia’s Rio Tinto is estimated to bring in $1 billion annually through end-decade, and should help tackle a medium-term debt repayment hump with agriculture output at a plodding pace.

Peru’s PPKO Feint Maneuver
2016 June 19 by admin

Posted in: Latin America/Caribbean


Peruvian shares rocketed 35 percent as the top MSCI performer despite signaled downgrade to the frontier roster with only three listings traded, as Pedro Pablo Kucyzynski, a former Finance Minister and private equity executive, won the presidency by a hair over longtime opinion favorite Fujimori. The contest was not focused on economic policy as both candidates promoted continued discipline and free-market approaches, although PPK’s business elite credentials were attacked and he countered with a detailed anti-poverty platform. The decisive factor raised in the campaign’s final days seemed to be the strongman legacy of Fujimori’s father and his supporters, as corruption and money laundering allegations were directed at leaders of the Popular Force party, which secured parliamentary control and can foil the President’s plans. Fujimori was also neck and neck with past competitors who were disqualified by the election commission, setting off protests. PPK has indicated he may release former President Fujimori, serving a 25-year jail sentence for ordering assassinations, on age and health grounds provided the pardon applied to a broad prisoner category. Q1 growth was 4. 5 percent with construction and manufacturing down, but mining, telecoms and financial services powering ahead to buttress domestic consumption and investment. Copper output jumped 50 percent, with a half dozen project expansions and launches sustaining FDI despite lower global prices. Inflation at 3. 5 percent is above the central bank range, partially due to currency depreciation at 15 percent against the dollar last year, with further monetary tightening on course. Non-commodity exports have responded to cut the projected current account deficit below 4 percent of GDP this year, and the budget gap is also manageable at just 1 percent. Government debt is less than 25 percent of national income and international reserves at $60 billion cover almost two years imports. More than 20 percent of the population remains poor according to the UN, and the incoming administration’s mantra will be “inclusive growth” in a concerted effort to defuse income inequality and rural community tensions, advisers emphasize including likely Finance Minister Thorne, a former Wall Street economist.

Colombia racked up a 15 percent gain despite weak 2. 5 percent Q1 growth due to oil and mining drags and El Nino-induced drought. Food price spikes and peso depreciation caused 8 percent inflation in May, with the central bank hiking the benchmark rate to 7. 25 percent. The current account deficit is stuck around 6 percent of GDP with FDI off one-quarter on the commodity slump. The fiscal gap is nearing the 3. 5 percent of GDP statutory ceiling as a tax reform bill awaits congressional action. Ratings agencies have warned that the outlook may go negative without debt stabilization within their investment-grade assignment. Another risk damaging business and consumer confidence is the proposed peace settlement with guerilla rebels after an initial March deadline passed. It will be put to a referendum, and demobilization spending may be financed by a special wealth levy, just as the military ramp-up to defeat the FARC and ELN was in the early 2000s. Officials also rely on another phase of the US Plan Colombia aid program to restore rural public services, but the free trade agreement has provoked clashes that may deal expansion a knockout blow, according to donor agencies involved in the conflict.

Kazakhstan’s Radical Recovery Rethink
2016 June 19 by admin

Posted in: Europe
Kazakhstan shares, flat through May on the MSCI Index, sold off after security forces battled with alleged Islamic terrorists in a provincial oil town, as President Nazarbaev pledged an all-out crackdown. The incident followed massive protests for mortgage relief and land reform which caught the authorities off-guard, and obscured positive growth forecasts this year from previous recession with higher oil prices and good construction numbers. First quarter contraction was 1 percent, with banks still fragile and inflation above 15 percent post-devaluation. The current account deficit was near $1 billion and a gradual surplus return is predicted in 2017, but the errors and omissions category remains large as a proxy for unreported capital flight. The unrest has heightened investor worry about the post-Nazarbaev path after his party trounced the nominal opposition in parliamentary elections, and he again shook up his cabinet and leading advisers with no preferred successor. The impasse came as a deal was struck with joint venture partners over future operation of the mammoth Tengiz field, and infrastructure projects were again prominent in discussions with bilateral and multilateral lenders after years of go-it-alone strategy. An IMF program has never been considered, although the CIS’ other oil exporter and depreciation case, Azerbaijan, recently hosted a mission with the concept in play. However sovereign wealth fund and reserve assets are back up to almost $40 billion, and the currency has firmed with central bank purchases and steeper interest rates. Bank restructuring and recapitalization is now a priority, including at internationally-active IBA where fraud was also discovered.
President Aliev would find a Fund assistance request likewise subject to outcry from pro-democracy groups after political enemies and anti-corruption journalists were jailed. His hard-line stance was in the mix of shareholder action at multinational oil company meetings as BP and others have reduced their country presence.

Balkan markets were thrown by another election bout, as Croatia lost positive momentum with a no-confidence vote against the compromise technocrat Oreskovic government by his coalition partner. A multi-year recession ended last year with 1. 5 percent growth, and the first quarter pace was double that figure on revived consumption and tourism, coupled with an inflow of EU structural funds. The Finance Minister presented an ambitious tax overhaul and privatization agenda before the political infighting, prodded by unions against these changes. Barring a successful reshuffle snap polls will be rerun with another prolonged inertia period. Serbia went down this road already and a fresh cabinet will be formally announced in mid-June, with the SNS party in the majority closely aligned with the IMF program. EU accession negotiations will resume on the first two of thirty-five outstanding chapters to be closed by an end-decade deadline. The fiscal deficit 4 percent of GDP target was met with help from telecom frequency auctions, and the government will revisit its commitment to slash the civil service. Romania’s budget consolidation has not aided stocks, down over 5 percent on the MSCI Index through May, on 4 percent economic growth and negligible 0. 5 percent inflation. June local elections will pave the way for national ones likely again in December, with the socialist PSD in the early lead for the horse-trading hysteria and jockeying.

The Gulf’s Impaired Vision Correction
2016 June 12 by admin

Posted in: MENA
Gulf stock markets stumbled through May as attention turned to record debt-raising despite ratings downgrades with lower oil prices and rising budget deficits. GCC bond issuance and syndicated loans should each come to $50 billion this year, S&P estimates with Qatar already placing a $9 billion issue and Saudi Arabia interviewing underwriters for a reported $15 billion tap. The MSCI Saudi reading was down 5 percent despite the eventual prospect of an Aramco mega-offering as proposed under the “2030 Vision” prepared in tandem with management consultants. It foresees the private sector as the main economic driver, and aims to reduce youth unemployment to single digits and increase female participation. The minority stake state oil company sale would require decisive valuation and information for its vast holdings, with initial calculations in the trillions of dollars. The proceeds would go for economic diversification, as the main public pension fund also transforms for this purpose while traditional reserves, currently under $600 billion and losing $10 billion monthly, will continue to cover fiscal and import needs. The stock exchange has also engaged HSBC to prepare its own listing, a decade after Dubai completed an oversubscribed $400 million one. Prince Mohamed, in charge of the economy portfolio from the younger royal generation, also engineered the appointment of a new oil minister and central bank governor to promote the blueprint. The sovereign rating was bumped a notch but is still in the AA category enabling quick global syndication of a $10 billion credit in April. It decreased US Treasury assets to $120 billion last year as the 12th biggest owner, while Gulf countries control a combined $300 billion to recycle petrodollars and maintain the currency peg reiterated as sacrosanct.

Local banks welcomed the external access with their liquidity squeeze as construction and supply firms run into trouble with the oil crash. The Binladen group shed one-quarter of its 200,000 workers on project pullback and steelmakers announced $2 billion in debt restructurings. The $8 billion Ahab workout from 2009 continued to drag on with the latest setbacks, as a court tribunal will process creditor claims that could only get 25 cents to the dollar, although the executive in charge still faces cross-border seizure actions. The UAE received its own non-payment blow when Malaysia’s 1MDB reneged on $1 billion owed out of a $3. 5 billion guarantee total. The sovereign wealth fund absorbed mark-to-market losses as the bond price tumbled to 85, and CDS quotes for both the countries jumped in response. The default occurred at the same time the Emirates pledged another $4 billion in aid to Egypt, which replenished reserves to $18 billion and preempted renewed IMF program talk. However Cairo must repay $2 billion to Qatar and the Paris Club in the coming months, as dollars remain short despite the recent devaluation. According to reports parallel market operators have gone into Libya for even higher margins, with informal rates 3 times the official 1. 4/dollar one. The central bank, which has just been recognized by a precarious unity government, bans commercial banks from dealing as it tries to preserve $70 billion in reserves amid the bleak civil war and looting vision.

Mexico’s Triple Threat Triangulation
2016 June 12 by admin

Posted in: Latin America/Caribbean
Mexican shares were flat through May as President Pena Nieto’s popular approval rating dipped to 30 percent halfway through his term, with both growth and inflation stuck in the 2-3 percent range. The “three for three” reform on public official wealth disclosure and conflict of interest has yet to be adopted in Congress with lukewarm support despite civic group activism, after the President’s family was involved in questionable real estate deals. The ruling PRI is set for a thrashing in state elections reflecting political and economic unease and continued law and order breakdown, with student killings still unresolved and a top soccer player reportedly kidnapped by dug gangs. Retail sales decline follows the lowest consumer sentiment reading in two years, and the central bank is again poised to raise interest rates with the US Federal Reserve with the peso drifting at 18/dollar. The current account deficit persist around 3 percent of GDP, and foreign portfolio continues to outrun direct investment to cover the gap. The IMF estimated FDI inflows at just 1. 5 percent of output, one-third Brazil’s fraction, with a negligible impetus from Pemex’s private opening on slack oil prices. A new leftist party founded by previous presidential contender Lopez Obrador is expected to make headway in provincial pools and demands resumed state control in industry and finance. The exchange rate intervention formula could again come under review amid a strong showing as the recent hands-off stance hikes the cost of imported consumer goods and manufacturing inputs. Global investors starting to focus on the US presidential race also express worry on about the vituperative rhetoric and border wall building promise of Republican standard-bearer Donald Trump, and question the Democratic candidates’ immigration and foreign policy positions as well particularly the absence of free-trade agreement backing. The TPP would update the two-decade old NAFTA and subsequent amendments, but is unlikely to see a congressional vote before the Obama term ends, according to experts.

Argentina was up over 10 percent on the MSCI frontier index, as the sponsor began to study the possibility of core universe return as part of the Macri government’s medium-term reintegration path. However after a giant external debt market the central bank reacted to peso appreciation by suspending overseas purchase of local instruments as it also cut the local benchmark rate toward 35 percent. Following a high court ruling around $5 billion in public pension fund arrears must be met, with the immediate catalyst of a tax amnesty due to mobilize a multiple of that amount, according to projections under more flexible rules than previous attempts. President Macri absorbed a setback in Congress after his early momentum when he resorted to vetoing a no-layoff civil servant bill promoted by the opposition Peronist party. His predecessor Christina Fernandez is under investigation for suspicious hotel deals and central bank currency transactions under the former control regime. Recession will linger this year with the fiscal deficit at 7 percent of GDP, the trade surplus eroding, and both inflation and poverty rates expected to stabilize at 30 percent. Another round of elections is scheduled in 2017, and President Macri and his technocrat team must shed their elite image if his political grouping has any hope of winning legislative majority and sealing the “change” slogan.

Poland’s Nuclear Standoff Sting
2016 June 6 by admin

Posted in: Europe
Polish shares sank 3 percent on the MSCI Index through May, as the European Commission brandished the “nuclear option” of cutting off structural aid after criticism of the ruling Law and Justice Party’s “anti-democratic” moves at court and media control. Warsaw has countered by accusing Brussels of interference and threatening to boycott votes before that power is revoked under possible sanctions. The communications crackdown is part of a deliberate strategy to slash foreign ownership two-thirds to a 25 percent ceiling, as hundreds of journalists were sacked or resigned from public channels. Former presidents and prime ministers have weighed in on the controversy with a clear call to curb intrusions, which was echoed by departing central bank head Belka in relation to the mandatory Swiss franc mortgage conversion proposal he described as an “evil crisis recipe. ” The formula follows Hungary’s model at an estimated industry cost of $10 billion, which would fall mostly on the 60 percent internationally-owned share in the wake of a separate new asset tax. State bank executives have been replaced across-the-board by the populist administration, and they have increased government debt positions after foreign holders trimmed theirs with the early year sovereign downgrade on institutional and fiscal weakening. The 10-year yield is at 3 percent as deflation persists and the budget deficit is likely to come in above the 3 percent EU warning threshold. Ratings agencies added a negative outlook on the expectation of a prolonged constitutional crisis, and voiced doubt about the reported 50 percent of GDP public debt level to stay within statutory limits.

Solid 3 percent consumption-led growth is projected this year, but in external accounts halting FDI and large error and omission numbers are concerns. Unemployment remains in double-digits and the immigration route to the UK could close altogether with a Brexit nod in the late June referendum. Warsaw Stock Exchange officials scoff at neighbors’ attempts to vie for regional influence as privatization plans are indefinitely shelved. Meanwhile Romania has large divestitures scheduled, Hungary will push for small business listings, and the Czech Republic after a long drought launched two IPOs. Budapest also laid global financial center claims after a Chinese currency “dim sum” bond was launched there in April, following establishment of a Bank of China clearing unit. It has also signed on to Beijing’s $40 billion One Belt One Road outward investment scheme, and plans to seek AIIB infrastructure funding, and Poland too may be tempted by this path should European relations further sour.

Poland-Ukraine stock market links are on hold despite ambitious cross-listing and harmonization designs dating back a decade. Ukraine’s MSCI component was up 7 percent through May after a new prime minister was named and energy reform legislation was tabled that may unlock the IMF’s withheld $1. 7 billion payment. The central bank cut the benchmark interest rate below 20 percent as inflation steadies in the 15 percent range and the currency at 25 to the dollar. Banking sector cleanup has progressed amid the headline recriminations between oligarchs and policymakers, with 70 institutions closed and new insider lending rules in effect. Capital controls imposed since the Maidan events could soon be relaxed in light of the overhaul, but the consumer and corporate confidence standoff lingers.



Nigeria’s Spine-Tingling Suspension Saga
2016 June 6 by admin

Posted in: Africa
Nigerian shares were battered through May for a 2 percent loss as they may be removed from the MSCI frontier index, following similar expulsion from JP Morgan’s local debt gauge, with pervasive foreign exchange controls. President Buhari, marking a year in office, defended the regime as “reconstructing the state spine” but directed his central bank chief to consider modifications. The official rate is below 200/dollar, while the parallel one is at 350, amid widespread import shortages that have gutted manufacturing as oil prices remain at record lows. The economy was in recession in Q1, and the World Bank annual forecast envisions only 2 percent growth helping to drag the continent average to 4 percent. Foreign capital inflows were only $700 million in April, and the trade balance has turned to deficit as inflation tips toward 15 percent. Petroleum exports provide two-thirds of government revenue and Delta rebels have again damaged pipelines to slash production, leaving a $10 billion fiscal deficit officials plan to cover with domestic and overseas borrowing. The Finance Minister is in discussions with multilateral development lenders and the Chinese over infrastructure credit lines, while states have been unable to honor contracts and pay salaries. It further reduced fuel subsidies in a nod to budget reality, but diesel and power scarcity persist and have incited street unrest. President Buhari appointed new management at the state energy company to improve performance, but the massive restructuring effort will take years according to experts while capacity further withers. Smuggling has been a main channel for $20 million in daily imports, draining international reserves heading toward the $25 billion level as they are released at a $200 million/week pace satisfying just a fraction of demand. Current output at 2 million barrels/day is half the medium-term target as joint venture partners await resolution of $10 billion in claims.

Bank stocks have crumbled under the weight of oil industry bad loans which are estimated at 15 percent against the reported overall 5 percent ratio. The five biggest listings have delayed 2015 results, and several chief executives are under investigation as well for allegedly abetting corruption under the previous administration. The crackdown has overshadowed positive capital market building moves as the parliament considers a promotion package and pension funds obtain more equity allocation leeway. President Buhari’s team is also under fire for its handling of the Boko Haram scourge in the north, where he has promised tougher security sweeps at the same time the regional agricultural economy has imploded without an anti-poverty and diversification strategy.

South Africa won a respite from its own gloom as Moody’s signaled a sovereign rating downgrade pause, following a $1. 25 billion bond issue at 3. 5 percent over US Treasuries. Finance Minister Gordhan is now in the headlines for alleged abuse of authority, after the highest court called on President Zuma to answer numerous embezzlement charges. He defeated a legislative no-confidence vote from the findings, as growth and fiscal consolidation plans continue to falter. Recession will be narrowly avoided, but inflation should stabilize at 7 percent keeping the central bank on hold. The largest public pension fund, with $120 billion in assets, expressed interest in acquiring Barclays units for sale under its divestiture push, which my require stiff activist spine to engineer turnaround, according to observers.

The G-7’s Wrung War Cry (Asia Times)
2016 June 2 by admin

Posted in: Asia, Currency Markets
The G-7 summit in Japan, despite currency war talk, was a tame event hardly moving Asian financial markets. It was mostly notable as US President Obama’s valedictory after stops in Vietnam and Myanmar, where bilateral trade and investment clashes were also avoided. Several years into the Abenomics experiment the hosts scrambled for fresh fiscal and monetary approaches to defeat deflation and revive the domestic economy, and irked Washington with the threat of yen intervention beyond previous agreement only in “disorderly conditions. ” The issue disappeared on its own during the meeting as the Federal Reserve signaled a June interest rate hike again lifting the dollar. Chinese currency devaluation fallout also faded as a concern, as the yuan seemed to stabilize on minor foreign exchange reserve growth with reduced capital outflows. Foreign investors have yet to return in size to the mainland, but an MSCI nod to boost its equity index weighting along with recent opening of the local bond market could shift direction. Vietnam and Myanmar highlighted the Obama administration’s respective foreign policy breakthroughs with the Trans-Pacific Partnership and military-civilian rule transition, but questionable human rights and economic policies were likewise prominent to underscore near-term business and financial community skepticism.

Prime Minister Abe attempted to promote joint stimulus as he presented a faltering global recovery scenario hinting at a 2008 crisis repeat. US and European representatives dismissed the scaremongering as they focused on their own regional issues, including elections, the EU refugee influx, and Greece’s interminable bailout. Asian security problems featured such as Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear missile launch, but the economic agenda largely revolved around more specific structural reform pledges. In Japan’s case corporate governance and labor market flexibility moves will go further, according to officials, but the immediate linchpins of its growth package are consumption tax delay and public works rebuilding in earthquake areas. This strategy kept local financial asset sentiment negative as fund managers considered boosting neighboring emerging market bond and equity allocation. Despite negative bond yields at home, banks and insurers have preferred other industrial country instrument abroad with low returns, and in stocks individual investor fund positions continue to show outflows as so-called Mrs. Watanabes have been burned continuously on currency swings.

Both Vietnam and Myanmar have cozied up to the US, Japan and Europe to distance themselves from the Chinese economic and geopolitical orbit, but the entire Mekong region also blames Beijing for aggravating its original El Nino-induced drought. The water level in the main river artery is at a century low, and Vietnam’s rice output was down 10 % in the last quarter as GDP growth slipped under the 6 % preliminary forecast. Farmers accuse China of blocking irrigation with its gate control over hydroelectric dams, and many also use pesticide that damages crops and the environment, according to experts. At the same time, the state-owned rice trading and export apparatus has deep job and patronage tentacles defying change, and it would be among the last candidates under the country’s phased TPP commitment to privatization. Free labor practices are also to be adopted within 5 years of treaty ratification to replace the current worker union monopoly. With rising wages strikes are more frequent and the government has been quick to crack down on activist members. During President Obama’s visit such advocates were reportedly in detention, angering congressional members who accompanied him as they prepare to vote on the free-trade pact, which will enlarge Vietnam’s economy 10% in the coming decades, the World Bank estimates.

Vietnamese three hundred listed stocks have been flat for the year with the mixed messages, but investor enthusiasm still far exceeds Myanmar’s new exchange with its one company available. Aung San Suu Kyi wields ultimate power and is said to have a 100-day plan with scant economic details. Coincident with President Obama’s G-7 swing the US left individually-targeted commercial and banking sanctions in place. The IMF slashed the growth projection to 7 percent and decried persistent high budget deficits and inflation, with the battle there barely begun.

Global Reserves’ Ingrained Erosion Tread
2016 June 2 by admin

Posted in: General Emerging Markets
Since mid- 2015 through February emerging market foreign exchange reserves tumbled another $650 billion to $8. 5 trillion including China as valuation effects have disappeared with the softer dollar, according to JP Morgan research. The mainland accounted for $500 billion of the loss as the industrial world $2. 5 trillion total was steady. Commodity prices continued to decline but the main driver was risk aversion reflected in persistent private capital outflow. Positions fell in Hungary, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey and Brazil the past year and a half, while Russia, Chile, Peru and Thailand started to recover. Korea, Mexico and Poland were solid until recent weakness. China’s monthly drawdown improved from $100 billion and turned positive in April with a $7 billion gain, but the cumulative drop the past two years is 20 percent to $3. 2 trillion, and the capital account reduction is estimated at $700 billion by end-2016, which will be only half covered by the current account surplus. India in contrast continues to rise on reduced commodity important costs and a foreign direct and portfolio investment spike following Modi administration liberalization policies. Fluctuations in the leading reserve currencies like the euro, yen and pound along with the dollar no longer have a net impact, whereas from mid- 2014/15 they explained almost the entire reversal. While trade balances remain in surplus following the developing economy trend over the last decade and a half, capital inflows that had accompanied it became the opposite, and domestic banks and companies also unwound debt exposure and trading positions based on exchange rate appreciation assumptions.

The $1 trillion outflow in the year to February was twice the blow experienced during the 2008-09 global financial crisis, the analysis remarks. With the oil price plunge Middle East central bank holdings are off $200 billion, but the reduction represents just 15 percent of the universe. Russia as another top producer and the rest of OPEC lost another $325 billion, still less than one-third the total since 2014. Should commodity values stabilize, reserves could rebound 5-10 percent as both earnings and global risk appetite return. IMF adequacy measures show most core countries above the 100 percent of external short-term debt and four months imports thresholds, although Argentina and Chile are at the margin. Broader standards that include M2 and portfolio liabilities put Asian members China, India and Malaysia in danger. China’s story remains murky as it reports only $1 trillion in reserve breakdown under its new statistical transparency commitment from SDR inclusion. The dollar and euro global reserve shares were 65 percent and 20 percent at end-2015, with the yen constant and the Aussie dollar and pound up marginally before their respective election and EU referendum calls.

UK departure in the June vote would eventually slash cohesion funds available to Eastern Europe members like Hungary and Poland, and the latter would also be hit by immigration restrictions with the large community of expatriate service workers there. British citizens in turn would face open-travel curbs on the continent, which could divert them to Mideast tourist destinations provided political tension subsides on their own issues.

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The Treasury’s New Currency Interference Signal
2016 May 24 by admin

Posted in: Asia, Currency Markets
The US Treasury Department issued the first version of its periodic currency manipulation report under 2015 trade enforcement legislation overriding the 30 year-old Omnibus Competitiveness Act, which details specific criteria and remedial action triggers in response to the long China debate and congressional consideration of binding guidelines in the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership. Five countries were named to the “monitoring list,” including Germany outside Asia in view if its second highest global 8 percent of GDP current account surplus, 5 percent above the qualifying threshold under the process. The other two perquisites are a minimum $20 billion bilateral trade surplus and annual net reserve buying of more than 2 percent of GDP. Analysis then turns to potential undervaluation and investment limits, and if they exist the Treasury Secretary must first engage in consultations and after a year take measures that could include federal government contracting suspension, increased IMF surveillance, or trade pact retaliation. These responses are not automatic and can be waived on cost or national security grounds. The monitored countries are not yet at this stage and other emerging economies including Brazil, Mexico and India are regularly under review. China is a perennial feature with a $350 billion 3 percent of GDP current account surplus last year, the first one at that level since 2010. It sold foreign exchange reserves to miss that criterion and the currency was “more market-determined” in contrast to previous declarations of aggressive devaluation. Japan made the surplus cut but has not intervened for four years, although the Treasury warned that even with recent wide swings the dollar yen market was “orderly” and thus should be left alone under current G-20 commitments. Korea was admonished for several years of anti-appreciation operations beyond allowable “disorderly conditions” and put on notice that it among the group could soon enter the next anti-manipulation phase.

Taiwan had the largest surplus at almost 15 percent of GDP and accumulated more than 2 percent in reserves but the bilateral imbalance fell short of $20 billion. Germany had not before been a currency policy target and its Eurozone surplus too was 3 percent, which was labeled “excess saving that could support domestic demand and global rebalancing. ” The IMF separately was at odds with German officials over Greece’s fiscal retrenchment needed to stay in the single currency and unlock the delayed portion of last year’s EUR 85 billion package. It also reiterated the concept of debt relief as the burden hovers at 200 percent of GDP five years after consecutive EU rescues and private bond restructurings. The main state banks must be recapitalized once again as deposit leakage continues, and Prime Minister’s threatened resort to another public referendum on actions came up empty. The new exchange rate enforcement provisions got 75 percent bipartisan backing before the presidential election campaign went into full swing with the issue particularly in play from respective Democratic and Republican contenders Sanders and Trump. Both oppose Pacific free trade and have been harsh on Chinese currency practice despite the latest findings, with Beijing again memorialized as a master manipulator.

The Asian Development Bank’s Anxious Anniversary Angles
2016 May 24 by admin

Posted in: Asia
The Asian Development Bank marked 50 years of operation at its annual meeting in Frankfurt, symbolizing its diverse shareholder and co-financing base as credit and technical assistance lines were a record $27 billion in 2015. Among the regional official lenders it has been particularly aggressive in climate change projects with a promise to double medium-term exposure toward $5 billion. The celebration joy was muted by the latest economic growth forecast for relatively flat performance with subdued Chinese and global demand and perilous monetary policies, with Southeast Asia holding the line at 4. 5percent following a dismal 0. 5 percent first quarter showing in Korea which helped prompt ruling party majority loss in April parliamentary elections. President Park’s popularity had long been waning with her authoritarian style, and she faces the last year and a half of her term with lame-duck status. Exports and consumption fell before the poll, with the latter stifled by household debt at 150 percent of GDP. Her party’s campaign platform called for monetary and fiscal stimulus, with a local version of “quantitative easing” a centerpiece, but these plans will now be shelved indefinitely with the opposition Minjoo and the new swing People’s Party in control. Targeted tax cuts and infrastructure spending may still be in the mix as the central government tries to regain political momentum from cities that have embarked on building and social transfer schemes. The won has occasionally wobbled with Northern missile tests and border skirmishes but the current account surplus offers support and the short-term hard currency debt/ reserves ratio is manageable unlike the immediate post-2008 period. Regular central bank intervention continues but it has not yet been criticized outright by the US Treasury Department to invite potential trade backlash as the TPP pact stays in congressional limbo during the presidential primary season.

In Singapore as well an expansionary budget was proposed and enacted to boost growth and tackle deflation, with health care and transport priorities to aid the lower-income and elderly population. However shipbuilding remains in a funk and home prices have declined two years in a row without bank mortgage restrictions relief on the horizon. Blue-chip stock market listings like DBS are at single-digit price-earnings values with property correction and reportedly luring bargain-hunters. Across the strait Malaysian shares, up over 10 percent on the MSCI Index through March, were hit as controversial state fund 1MDB defaulted on a $50 million bond payment to an Abu Dhabi holder. Multiple jurisdictions continue to investigate missing accounts, with the Swiss alleging as much as $5 billion may be at stake. Prime Minister Rezak has swatted away resignation pleas from his own party but his brother was forced to step aside as chief executive of top Islamic bank CIMB. A new central bank head was named and was expected to cut rates before the latest twist in the saga, with GDP growth running at 3. 5 percent. Portfolio outflows have stabilized and 45 percent foreign ownership of local bonds is the highest in the region. Household and corporate debt at 90 percent and 70 percent of GDP respectively also are the steepest and should jangle policymaker nerves amid the scandal’s confidence blow, according to an IMF spring meeting report.

Kazakhstan’s Harried House Cleaning Claim
2016 May 18 by admin

Posted in: Europe
Kazakhstan equities tried to end their MSCI frontier index loss following a sovereign ratings downgrade and bad loan uptick toward double-digits, as foreign exchange-denominated mortgage holders demanded post-tenge devaluation compensation in rare public displays challenging President Nazrarbaev’s policies. His Nur-Otan party again got 80 percent of votes in recent parliamentary elections, as the allowed opposition won half a dozen seats in the 100-member chamber. Even with an oil price bump recession will linger this year, especially with lethargy in China taking one-fifth of exports. Kashagan field production will not notably expand until 2017, as the state and foreign partners still haggle over contractual obligations. The IMF weighed in with a gloomy near-term Central Asia forecast on the 25th anniversary of independence for both commodity suppliers and buyers, with the high-single digit typical growth rates associated with post-communist takeoff a distant memory. It recommended a new generation of structural reforms and diversified consumer and industrial push but acknowledged worker skills and technology handicaps and higher unemployment risk with migrant return from Russia as Western trade and financial sanctions stretch another year. However the Kremlin may be hedging its bets as President Putin praised likely US Republican Party nominee Trump as a future counterpart after the candidate voiced his own admiration. A close advisor to the contender was a political consultant to ousted Ukraine leader Yakunovych and other regional authoritarians. Oil ties have sustained the bilateral relationship between Washington and Astana, but recent diplomatic developments with neighbors suggest future fraying. Azerbaijan’s President Aliev was greeted with a cold shoulder on an April visit, and Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister was forced to resign after offshore account revelations from the “Panama papers” raised international ire.

Ukraine shares improved in contrast with cabinet reshuffling, with an ally of President Poroshenko slated to succeed Prime Minister Yatsenuk, who failed to muster domestic or foreign confidence and unlock the next $1. 5 billion slice of IMF funding. Finance Minister Jaresko, a former fund manager who negotiated the sovereign bond restructuring with payment delays and reductions, also left as high-profile corporate borrowers like DTEK tabled their own creditor deals. Output collapsed 10 percent in 2015, but industrial and retail activity has turned positive and with a good harvest could restore growth. The central bank lowered the benchmark interest rate to 20 percent with kinder inflation and devaluation, and has won development lender kudos for a tough stance on regulation and consolidation closing dozens of institutions.

Mongolia looked to avoid both Russia and China sway with a new India financing arrangement on preparation for June elections, where investors favor Prime Minister Saikhanbileg’s Democratic Party. He barely overcame a no-confidence motion after approving the $4. 5 second phase development of the giant Oyu Tolgoi mine, due to launch in coming months and catalyze further FDI. Capital goods imports for the project will continue the balance of payments deficit, as growth halves to a projected 1 percent in 2016. The opposition People’s Party may again campaign on an anti-mine and hefty social spending platform, as weak consumption reflected in banking and property setbacks prompts populist herd instinct.

Ecuador’s IMF Post-Earthquake Rumblings
2016 May 18 by admin

Posted in: Latin America/Caribbean
Ecuador bonds slumped after an almost 8 scale temblor and aftershock killed hundreds and the government put the rebuilding tab at $ 3 billion or 3 percent of GDP, spurring rumors that it may turn to the IMF for long-term support after other official sources came up short. President Correa had hinted at another external debt issue before the disaster, but investors were demanding near double-digit yields with oil export-related recession predicted this year and the fiscal deficit goal already raised to 3.