Tuesday 25 April 2023

#Qatar's large fiscal, current-account surpluses expected to limit borrowing: EIU

Qatar's large fiscal, current-account surpluses expected to limit borrowing: EIU

Qatar's sovereign credit strengths are large fiscal and current-account surpluses, which are expected to limit borrowing, EIU said in its latest update.

Public debt has fallen sharply, to an estimated 44.4% of GDP at end-2022. High energy prices and a comfortable trade position are supporting external liquidity, and the balance-of-payments position is sound, EIU noted.

The riyal's peg to the dollar will continue to be backed by healthy foreign reserves and the huge assets of the Qatar Investment Authority (the sovereign wealth fund), the assets of which are estimated to be worth $475bn, EIU said.

The negative net foreign asset position of Qatar's banks remains large, but has shrunk over the past 12 months. The currency peg also limits overall risk.

The sector is well regulated and strong prudential indicators insulate banks from a deterioration in asset quality. The non-performing loan ratio is low, but higher interest rates pose a modest risk.

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