The COVID-19 response will improve medium-term growth prospects for the CEE-4. Stronger government finances provided countries with room for stimulus measures. The ECB’s response has also allowed authorities to cut rates and start bond purchases. Finally, the EU’s proposed recovery fund would improve growth prospects markedly.

Exchange rate flexibility has eased the adjustment to COVID-19 in most large countries. However, “fear of floating” is still high across Central America and the Caribbean. While local market financing is increasing, countries have largely had to borrow in hard currency to help withstand the shock.

The Supplementary Budget Review shows higher deficits and quickly rising debt. Nonetheless, foreign investors returned in May and yields have fallen sharply. A credible consolidation strategy is needed in October to sustain investor interest. Plans hinge on cuts to non-interest spending that will be difficult to implement.

After a challenging Q1, emerging and frontier market international bond issuance picked up significantly in Q2. High yield sovereign borrowers have been accessing the market; borrowing costs are well below peak Q1 levels. We see robust issuance in most emerging and frontier markets, though sub-Saharan African borrowers are notably absent.

Growth will slow down sharply to 0.9% in 2020 as a result of the global recession. Lower oil prices will help offset a decline in exports and collapse of tourism revenues. Support from multilaterals should keep reserve losses manageable at around $1.5 bn. The main downside risk for external financing is a sharp rise of oil prices in 2020H2. Furthermore, a steeper decline in non-resident FDI would be a source of concern.