IIF flags heavy debt redemption ahead for emerging markets

Tokyo

AUGMENTING a growing chorus of warnings about corporate debt levels in emerging-market economies, especially China, the Institute of International Finance (IIF) said on Wednesday that the "heavy redemption schedule ahead" could create strains.

The Washington-based organisation said: "Rising debt levels in emerging markets continue to represent a significant concern amid signs of declining credit quality, weaker corporate profitability and low productivity growth."

Total debt in a score of leading emerging markets monitored by the IIF exceeded US$52 trillion or 215 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of this year; this was US$3 trillion mor…