Entries for 2021

China’s exports were remarkably resilient in 2020, thanks to strong demand for PPE and WFH products. Export’s contribution to China’s economic growth in 2020 was greater than the headline number indicated. China’s exports are likely to be more balanced in 2021 as vaccination reopens global economy. 

Lack of alignment among ESG disclosure frameworks poses challenges for financial firms on what information to report; Signs of progress: ESG disclosure initiatives propose a common approach to rationalizing differing materiality concepts; Emissions disclosures on the rise; an impact accounting database of 1800+ firms highlights intensity of environmental losses

The January 2021 edition of the Insurance Update provides targeted updates on IIF insurance activities and events. 

CEEMEA countries recovered faster from the initial COVID-19 shock than expected. This is mainly due to virus containment allowing for a faster reopening of businesses. As a result, we are revising our estimate of the contraction in 2020 from 5.2% to 3.2%. However, a second wave of infections weighed on economic activity in recent months. We expect modest growth of 3.8% in 2021, but much depends on vaccinations efforts.

Ecuador’s IMF program entails steady fiscal adjustment. The government has kept austerity, redirecting spending to cope with COVID-19. However, implementation risk is on the rise ahead of the 2021 presidential election. Policy slippage could result in a challenging funding situation.

The January 2021 Global Regulatory Update provides updates on current work streams.

The economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, unstable political situation, and the decline in oil prices and production. The devaluation combined with a modest recovery in oil prices could put the fiscal stance on a more sustainable footing. Improved governance is also needed to implement reforms. 

Global sustainable debt issuance hit an all-time record of over $655 billion in 2020, driven by rapid growth in ESG and sustainability-linked bonds. A more supportive global policy landscape could spur even more issuance in 2021

We project a mild economic contraction in 2020, followed by a gradual recovery this year. This is due to limited lockdown measures, a strong financial system, and reliance on SOEs. The FY2021 NDAA extended Nord Stream 2 sanctions but may not prevent its completion. Geopolitical risks stem from the incoming U.S. administration and the EU’s green agenda.

Sub-Saharan Africa experienced the first recession in thirty years in 2020 due to the COVID-19 shock. The global recession weighed on external demand and pandemic-related shutdowns on domestic activity. However, commodity prices fared better than expected, and the virus spread less than in other regions. Oil exporters were hit hardest, while countries with more diversified export bases appear less affected. The economic slowdown has had a strong effect on countries’ fiscal positions, and policy space is scarce. As a result, debt is rising across the region, and many countries are seeking relief through the G20 DSSI. Improved market sentiment has led to a return of foreign investors and alleviated financing pressure. Growth is expected to rebound strongly in 2021 where macro and policy environments are supportive. Risks, however, skew to the downside and stem from a second COVID-19 wave and poliical instability.

EM corporates have racked up $4 trillion in FX debt since 2007, bringing total FX exposure to $7 trillion; More in store:  current USD weakness—with no Fed rate hike seen pre-2025—sets the stage for continued buildup in FX debt; EM corporate eurobond issuance reached $380 billion in 2020, up 10% from 2019; a record 95% of that was in USD; Most of this issuance was driven by non-financial corporates ($220bn), especially in China ($68 billion)