Frontier Markets

HighlightsRussian negotiators in Vienna say talks with the West over Ukraine have reached a “dead end.” If talks are verifiably discontinued, global investors should reduce risk in their portfolios.Social unrest in Kazakhstan does not reduce the probability that Russia will partially re-invade…

Highlights The bull run in Vietnamese stocks is due for a pause as the weakness in overall EM markets spreads to this bourse.  Household consumption will stay constrained as new COVID-19 cases remain high and fiscal and monetary stimulus remain absent. Social distancing measures and…

Highlights Liquidity conditions in Bangladesh are easy and growth has revived. Exports are set to recover as well. Foreign reserve accumulation will continue, which will have positive implications for the economy and stock prices. Steadily rising capital expenditure has improved the economy’s…

Highlights Kenyan financial markets will sell off considerably ahead of the presidential elections next August given the backdrop of very weak growth, a rising public debt-to-GDP ratio and growing odds of a shift away from orthodox macroeconomic policies. We do not think that the IMF-imposed…

Highlights Authorities will be reluctant to devalue the currency this year to avoid a pass-through of higher global food prices into domestic food prices. Yet, chronically underwhelming economic growth will ultimately force the government to abandon tight fiscal and monetary policies and adopt…

Highlights Massive fiscal deficits and high borrowing costs have led the government into a debt trap: interest payments alone cost the exchequer nearly half its revenues. Pursuing a tight fiscal and monetary policy now reduces the country’s chances of extricating itself out of a debt trap.…

In the May 7, 2020 report, we argued that structurally low oil prices could, eventually necessitate a devaluation of the Saudi riyal. Our assumption for average oil prices was and remains $40 in 2020, $40 in 2021 and $35 in 2022. As a long-term bet, we continue to recommend selling Saudi Arabian…

Chart II-1Nigeria: Poor BoP Position Nigeria: Poor BoP Position…

The Kenyan shilling will depreciate by 15-20% in the next 12 months. The downward pressure on the currency stems from the country’s sizeable current account deficit. In addition, Kenya needs lower local interest rates and a weaker exchange rate to boost nominal growth and stabilize public debt…

Highlights Bangladesh’s balance of payments (BoP) is a key pillar for the country’s financial markets and economy. The country’s BoP will deteriorate going forward. That, coupled with ongoing public debt monetization, will pose major risks to the currency in the next 6-12 months. The central…