FT Tilt - Mixed market reaction to Tunisia conflict(Registration) #sidibouzid

Fixed-income markets -- unlike their equity market cousins -- have largely shrugged off the wave of turbulence in Tunisia, despite the repricing of political risk in the North African economy.

However, the government’s ability to access international markets and the listing of the state-controlled Tunisie Télécom -- both moves previously pencilled in for the first quarter of the year -- are under threat.

In recent weeks, clashes between protesters and the Tunisian authorities have intensified with the government on Wednesday replacing the interior minister. Public agitation stems from unemployment, which is above 13 per cent, high food prices and income disparities.