public debt
Coverage of public debt in the Nexus archive.
- Why Hong Kong has become this year’s worst-performing stock market
Hong Kong has become this year’s worst-performing stock market. The article highlights anomalies in financial markets, including Japan’s 10-year bond yield at 2.7% despite its high public debt, which exceeds 240% of economic output, and Germany’s lower yield despite significantly less government debt.
- Colombia’s Fiscal Watchdog Calls the Government’s Sums Too Rosy
Colombia’s independent fiscal watchdog criticizes the government’s budget plan for relying on overly optimistic assumptions, estimating spending $11 billion higher than the finance ministry’s figure. It warns that public debt could reach 61% of output in 2026, the highest on record.
- How America lost its swagger after 100 days of war against Iran
The article claims that the US-Israeli military conflict with Iran has shifted global economic, military, and political power dynamics against America's favor. It highlights the conflict's impact on global security, climate change mitigation, public debt management, and post-unilateralism de-risking efforts.
- ECOWAS Court dismisses SERAP suit challenging Nigeria’s public borrowing
The ECOWAS Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by SERAP against the Nigerian government, which had alleged that the government's persistent borrowing led to unsustainable public debt, hindering the provision of essential public services.
- Most of Lula’s Spending Package Sits Outside the Fiscal Cap
Most of Lula's spending package operates outside Brazil's fiscal cap, with only a small portion complying with the rules he established. This approach still increases public debt despite the fiscal constraints.
- How bond markets can learn to love public debt
The article discusses how bond markets can accept increased public debt if managed under market-friendly fiscal rules. It highlights the potential for expansive fiscal policies without triggering market concerns.
- Namibia: Central Bank Warns Against Rising Public Debt
Namibia's public debt could reach 70% of GDP by the end of the current financial year if the government does not implement spending reforms, according to a warning from the Central Bank.
- Israel's permanent state of war comes with economic, social costs
Israel's multi-front war and defense spending have driven public debt to 69% of GDP, with defense budget doubling since October 2023. Cutbacks in education and healthcare are feared as taxes and social security contributions rise, while a survey shows 31% of Israelis experienced income declines since October 7, 2023.
- US to reach $41T debt ceiling as soon as late winter, forecasters predict
The U.S. government is projected to reach its $41.1 trillion debt ceiling next year between late winter and mid-summer, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Republicans raised the limit by $5 trillion in 2023 via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but the next Congress and President Donald Trump must act to avoid default. The Treasury's extraordinary measures are expected to delay a breach for six to nine months, as public debt is forecast to rise to 120% of GDP within a decade.
- Senegal’s former PM Sonko elected parliament speaker
Senegal’s former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was elected parliament speaker after being fired by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, escalating tensions over the country’s debt crisis. Sonko’s new role could block Faye’s legislative agenda, including IMF-backed debt restructuring, while political turmoil has caused Senegal’s dollar bonds to decline.
- Gabon Begins Audit of Public Loans to Establish Debt-Stock Total
Gabon has initiated an audit of its public debt to determine which obligations should be formally recognized. This move is part of the country's efforts to secure a new International Monetary Fund program.
- Rachel Reeves’s fiscal rules buffer should be ‘significantly larger’, say peers
A House of Lords committee report urges Rachel Reeves to increase the buffer against her fiscal rules, citing the UK's unsustainable public debt trajectory. The current buffer, set at £22bn after a 2023 tax hike, risks erosion from the Iran war's economic impact.