December 16, 2021
1 min read

Covid pushes global debt to new highs

Debt increases are particularly striking in advanced economies, where public debt rose from around 70 per cent of GDP in 2007 to 124 per cent of GDP in 2020….reports Asian Lite News

Global debt rose to a record $226 trillion in 2020 as the world was hit by the raging Covid-19 pandemic and a deep recession, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced.

Global debt rose by 28 percentage points to 256 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, the largest one-year debt surge since World War II, Vitor Gaspar, director of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, wrote in a blog on Wednesday with his colleagues, citing figures from the IMF’s latest Global Debt Database.

Debt increases are particularly striking in advanced economies, where public debt rose from around 70 per cent of GDP in 2007 to 124 per cent of GDP in 2020.

Global Covid caseload tops 268 mn

Meanwhile, private debt rose at a more moderate pace from 164 to 178 per cent of GDP in the same period, according to the IMF.

ALSO READ: Chinese debt trap: Lanka going Ugandan way

The IMF officials noted that a crucial challenge for policymakers is to “strike the right mix of fiscal and monetary policies in an environment of high debt and rising inflation”, as the debt surge amplifies vulnerabilities.

Pic credits Twitter

“The risks will be magnified if global interest rates rise faster than expected and growth falters. A significant tightening of financial conditions would heighten the pressure on the most highly indebted governments, households, and firms,” they said.

The IMF officials suggested that some countries, especially those with high gross financing needs or exposure to exchange rate volatility, may need to adjust faster to preserve market confidence and prevent more disruptive fiscal distress.

In addition, the pandemic and the global financing divide demand strong, effective international cooperation and support to developing countries, they noted.

ALSO READ: US Senate nod to raise debt ceiling ahead of looming default

ALSO READ: Pakistan struggles to pay Chinese debts

Previous Story

India Art Fair to spotlight next-generation artists

Next Story

Australia eases curbs despite Omicron worries

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan FM Due in Bangladesh

During his visit Dar will hold discussions with the Foreign Affairs Advisor Towhid Hossain and also call on Muhammad Yunus…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Balochistan: Where the State Makes People Disappear

The victims include students, journalists, and peaceful protesters, many of whom were abducted from cities such as Karachi and Islamabad….reports Asian Lite News A human rights organisation on Monday revealed that 785

Monsoon Havoc in Pakistan

Since June 26, torrential rains have killed at least 299 people—including 140 children—and injured 715 in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Since June 26, torrential monsoon rains have devastated Pakistan, killing at least

Bangladesh’s Dark Turn

With the Awami League outlawed and absent from the electoral fray, a vacuum has emerged — one that has not necessarily been filled with stability….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s political landscape has
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Lanka’s education budget falls short amid economic crisis

The learning crisis has affected vulnerable children the most, including

Economy is on the right track, claims Sunak

With Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to deliver his pre-election Budget on