Deputy Chief Economist

Sharmila Whelan

Independent and original Asian investment research

Aletheia Capital

Aletheia Capital (HK) Ltd. (previously known as Asianomics) combines the extensive knowledge of its experienced team with technology and regulatory changes to disrupt Global Markets business in Asia. The firm is completely independent with no conflicts of interest either on Investment Banking advisory or Capital Markets execution.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>Demand for US dollar credit from the rest of the world has waned, as weaker global trade has combined with last year’s emerging market debt turmoil and a strong dollar to dampen demand among EM non-financial corporates. Even so, in absolute terms Asian external debt at both a country and corporate level continues to rise led by China. We are not worried. External debt dynamics remain healthy. We believe that persistent concerns about the global economy and the resulting flight to safety into US treasuries and the US dollar are likely to continue to damp demand for borrowing in foreign currency and that the risks of default in Asia are low.</p>

Demand for US dollar credit from the rest of the world has waned, as weaker global trade has combined with last year’s emerging market debt turmoil and a strong dollar to dampen demand among EM non-financial corporates. Even so, in absolute terms Asian external debt at both a country and corporate level continues to rise led by China. We are not worried. External debt dynamics remain healthy. We believe that persistent concerns about the global economy and the resulting flight to safety into US treasuries and the US dollar are likely to continue to damp demand for borrowing in foreign currency and that the risks of default in Asia are low.

US Dollar Credit and Asia - Still Healthy