S&P cuts Turkey debt rating further, projects 2019 recession

AFP  |  Washington 

Global ratings agency cut Turkey's debt grade for the second time in four months, moving it further into junk territory and predicting the country will go into recession next year.

The agency downgraded the rating a notch to 'B+' and pointed to the weakening of the Turkish in the past two weeks, amid an overheating and high debt levels.

likewise cited the weakening and downgraded Turkey's debt to Ba3 from Ba2, also citing the declining lira, "heightened concerns" for the central bank's independence and "the lack of a clear and credible plan" to address the causes of recent financial troubles.

The currency has come under increased pressure amid the worsening dispute with the US, including Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on and aluminum imports from the country.

"The downgrade reflects our expectation that the extreme volatility of the Turkish and the resulting projected sharp balance of payments adjustment will undermine Turkey's economy," said in a statement.

"We forecast a recession next year. Inflation will peak at 22 percent over the next four months, before subsiding to below 20% by mid-2019."

The declining currency is increasing pressure on indebted local companies, which also could harm the balance sheets of domestic banks, the statement said.

"Despite heightened economic risks, we believe the policy response from Turkey's monetary and fiscal authorities has so far been limited."

The dispute and war of words between Trump and Turkey's has escalated over Ankara's jailing of American evangelical pastor since October 2016, who Trump has said is a "hostage."

warned the US would impose more sanctions unless Brunson was released. fired back threatening to respond to any additional US action.

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First Published: Sat, August 18 2018. 03:25 IST