CHINA DEBT
China dials up scrutiny of Big Four audit firms after Evergrande probe, sources say
China's Ministry of Finance is intensifying checks on Big Four auditing firms like Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG for local companies. Focus on audits of financial firms and highly leveraged companies. Regulatory probe into intermediaries like auditors following China Evergrande scandal. Increased scrutiny to restore confidence in stock markets and assess financial sector vulnerabilities.
Sri Lanka reaches deal on debt restructuring with bilateral creditors including India, China and France
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a debt restructuring deal with India, France, Japan, and China, a critical step in economic recovery after the 2022 debt default. Under an IMF bailout program, the agreement is expected to revive stalled foreign projects. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in 2022 due to economic mismanagement, COVID-19 impacts, and tax cuts. The deal defers loan payments until 2028 and extends repayment until 2043. Supporters celebrated the announcement in Colombo as it promises to restart crucial infrastructure projects.
China says escalation by EU over EV imports could trigger 'trade war'
Last week, the European Commission proposed tariffs of up to 38.1% on electric vehicle imports from China despite Beijing's protest, plunging trade ties to a new low and risking punitive retaliatory action. "The European side continues to escalate trade frictions and could trigger a 'trade war'," a statement attributed to the commerce ministry's spokesperson said. "The responsibility lies entirely with the European side."
Chinese automakers seek retaliatory tariffs on EU cars, state media reports
Industry insiders say both Europe and China have reasons for wanting to strike a deal in the months ahead to de-escalate tensions and avoid the addition of billions of dollars in new costs for Chinese EV makers, as the EU process allows for review.
China's May industrial output misses forecasts, retail sales a bright spot
China's industrial output fell below expectations, leading to calls for fiscal and monetary policy support. Retail sales exceeded forecasts, driven by global demand.
Evergrande liquidation law firm probing PwC, others for potential claims
Lawyers for China Evergrande Group's liquidators are investigating its former auditor, PwC, and other service providers to recover losses for creditors. Ordered into liquidation in January due to defaulting on $23 billion in offshore debt, Evergrande's extensive $300 billion liabilities make its case a potential model for future Chinese corporate liquidations. The probe focuses on potential wrongdoing that led to Evergrande's financial collapse.
UBS fund manager likes China's junk debt but is skeptical on India
“In India, the market underestimates the risk, while in China high yield, Sri Lanka and certain other corners of EM, the market overestimates the risk,” Khan, who manages combined assets of roughly $1 billion, said in an interview this week.
IMF approves second review of Sri Lanka's $2.9 bln bailout, warns of economic risks
The IMF approved the second review of Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout, emphasizing the need for Colombo to ensure debt sustainability through finalizing the MoU with key lenders.
Ray Dalio flags US-China ‘Economic Warfare’ among top global risks
Looking back in history, “economic warfare precedes military warfare,” he said. While most likely there will be no imminent form of military conflict, on the issue of Taiwan, the one-China policy “will not go on forever.”
Expect debt to remain stable; won't reduce significantly this year: TV Narendran, Tata Steel
So, this year is going to be a very crucial year, turnaround in Netherlands, last year was a loss, this year will be a profit at least at an EBITDA level and the UK second half we hope to move from a loss making facility to at least a balanced facility.
China's factory activity unexpectedly contracts in May
China's manufacturing activity fell in May, with the official factory survey showing a decline. Calls for fresh stimulus persist due to the ongoing property crisis impacting businesses, consumers, and investors.
IMF upgrades China's 2024, 2025 GDP growth forecasts but warns of risks ahead
"China's economic growth is projected to remain resilient at five percent in 2024 and slow to 4.5 percent in 2025," the IMF said in a press release, adding the decision was "driven by strong first-quarter GDP data and recent policy measures".
Shanghai lifts home-buying curbs to boost property sector
Shanghai eases property buying rules amidst a real estate crisis, reducing residency requirement to 3 years and minimum down payment to 20% for commercial housing mortgages.
China allocates billions of dollars to bailout its crisis-hit property sector
China has taken decisive measures to tackle the crisis in its property sector, which has been a crucial driver of its economic growth. The People's Bank of China has announced a 300-billion-yuan relending facility to support government-subsidized housing projects. Local state-owned enterprises are encouraged to purchase completed commercial homes to provide affordable housing. Commercial banks have issued significant loans for real estate development and individual housing.
Amid IMF loan talks, cash-strapped Pakistan mulls 5-yr extension on $15.5 billion Chinese energy debt
Cash-strapped Pakistan is considering to seek a five-year extension on its $15.5 billion debt in the Chinese energy sector as talks with the IMF for a fresh loan continue. The consent of the Chinese government and Independent Power Producers is crucial for contract amendments, which may involve lengthy negotiations. The extension could lead to a reduction in tariffs for consumers and a rise in outstanding liabilities by $1.3 billion over five years, potentially easing financial burdens and stimulating economic growth.
China is raising bullet train fares as debts and costs balloon
China raises bullet train fares to address rising costs and debts, impacting public services, state-owned enterprises, and international trade. The country shifts focus to high-tech manufacturing amid concerns over debt sustainability and global competition.
Despite $125 billion debt, why is Pakistan increasing its defence budget to 18000 crore rupees
Pakistan faces economic strain with a $124.5 billion foreign debt, 42% of its GDP. It boosts military capabilities through major arms imports, mainly from China, accounting for 82% from 2019 to 2023. Despite economic woes, it increases defense spending by 15.4% in the national budget, totaling 18000 crore Pak rupees. This military expansion includes submarines from China. Reports suggest Pakistan may have secretly supplied arms to Ukraine, contradicting its neutrality stance. Public discontent grows due to economic hardships and perceived military dominance in resource allocation.
Maldives gets IMF debt warning as more Chinese loans loom
Maldives warned by IMF of 'debt distress' due to heavy borrowing from China. Urgent need to increase revenue, reduce spending, and limit external borrowing to avoid economic crisis amid high risks and dependence on Chinese funding.
Two Chinese megacities lift home purchase curbs to attract buyers
Hangzhou and Xian lifted home purchase limits to revive the real estate market impacted by the pandemic and borrowing rules. The move aims to attract buyers and support the sector, following a decline in prices.
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