Qatar among Middle East countries tapping markets since early 2020: IMF

IMF

Qatar is among 10 Middle East and Central Asian countries that have tapped markets since early 2020 representing 26% of emerging market issuances compared with their combined weight of 6% in emerging markets’ GDP, according to International Monetary Fund. One-third of the countries in the Middle East and Central Asia tapped into international markets, benefiting from favourable conditions, but some faced substantial volatility, IMF noted. Favourable conditions not only helped these countries access markets but also increase the maturity on their placements. Notably, the average maturity of non-investment-grade issuances in the Middle East and Central Asia was like that of other non-investment-grade emerging markets, closing a gap that had persisted in previous years. Borrowing costs also gradually came down after the initial period of turmoil, reflecting the easing of global financial conditions.