Moody's Investors Service says that Bangladesh's Ba3 government bond rating is supported by the country's stable and strong growth performance and modest debt burden. However, its very low per capita income, persistent fiscal deficits and a factious political environment pose credit constraints.
Moody's conclusions were contained in its just-released credit analysis, 'Bangladesh' which examines the sovereign in four categories: economic strength, which is assessed as "moderate"; institutional strength "very low (+)"; fiscal strength "low (+)"; and susceptibility to event risk "moderate".
The report constitutes an annual update to investors and is not a rating action.
Moody's report points out that for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2015 (FY2015), Bangladesh's GDP growth edged higher to 6.5% and the government projects a 7.1% expansion in FY2016, supported by industrial activity and backed by a track record of macroeconomic stability.
However, weak infrastructure constrains potential growth.
Exports have remained in positive territory, despite subdued levels of global trade. But, the undiversified nature of the export basket--skewed towards textiles--presents risks because Bangladesh could lose its export share to other emerging competitors over time.
As a net oil importer, Bangladesh is a beneficiary of lower oil prices. However, continued contraction in remittances--due to slowing growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council economies, the primary source of remittances--is likely to dent the external benefits of lower oil prices.
The government's weak revenue base also represents a credit constraint, resulting in persistent fiscal deficits. Such deficits would be higher were it not for Bangladesh's low development spending, which in turn limits the provision of public services.
Fiscal risks are mitigated by government debt ratios that remain modest, with debt primarily from concessional sources.
Moody's assessment of Bangladesh's vulnerability to event risks as "Moderate" is driven by political risks.


U.S. Treasury Yields Expected to Decline Amid Cooling Economic Pressures
Fed May Resume Rate Hikes: BofA Analysts Outline Key Scenarios
UBS Projects Mixed Market Outlook for 2025 Amid Trump Policy Uncertainty
Wall Street Analysts Weigh in on Latest NFP Data
U.S. Banks Report Strong Q4 Profits Amid Investment Banking Surge
2025 Market Outlook: Key January Events to Watch
Global Markets React to Strong U.S. Jobs Data and Rising Yields
Oil Prices Dip Slightly Amid Focus on Russian Sanctions and U.S. Inflation Data
Goldman Predicts 50% Odds of 10% U.S. Tariff on Copper by Q1 Close
Gold Prices Slide as Rate Cut Prospects Diminish; Copper Gains on China Stimulus Hopes
Lithium Market Poised for Recovery Amid Supply Cuts and Rising Demand
Urban studies: Doing research when every city is different
Indonesia Surprises Markets with Interest Rate Cut Amid Currency Pressure
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed
China's Refining Industry Faces Major Shakeup Amid Challenges
US Gas Market Poised for Supercycle: Bernstein Analysts 



