Monday, August 19, 2013

Economic Weakness in Developing Nations Is Laid Bare as Easy Money Dries Up

The U.S. Federal Reserve's plan to reduce monthly bond purchases is exposing the deep-seated fragility of India's economy, unnerving investors and underscoring the risks to emerging markets at a time of rising global interest rates.
India's stock market tumbled 1.6% Monday, adding to a 4% decline Friday, and the rupee hit a fresh low against the dollar. Government-bond prices slumped, sending yields sharply higher.
The malaise in India is the latest global ripple effect from a shift being considered at the U.S. central bank, following nearly five years of exceptional policy support for the American economy and financial markets.
During the era of low rates that followed the global recession, developing nations such as India, Indonesia and Thailand had no trouble attracting capital to boost growth. Imports soared as Asian consumers ran up debt to fuel purchases.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324747104579022561743516666.html?ru=yahoo?mod=yahoo_itp

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