Sovereign debt downgrades grow as inflation bites

Sovereign debt worldwide has been downgraded 78 times by the top three ratings agencies (Fitch, Moody’s and S&P Global) in the last year, compared to 58 downgrades that sovereign debt received in the previous year, according to Chaucer.

Rising interest rates, inflation and a stronger dollar have led to increased concerns over the ability of an increasing number of countries to service their debt. Countries which have seen downgrades in the past year include Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Sri Lanka.

Jonathan Bint, senior analyst & underwriter at Chaucer says: “More and more countries are struggling to pay their bills, which makes it ever more likely they will cancel or seek not to pay contracts with businesses.”

Due to the uncertain global environment, businesses are increasingly looking to mitigate the risk of contract cancellation by governments. Insurers are therefore seeing increased demand for contract frustration insurance as businesses seek a safety net.

Not just emerging markets

As the global economic outlook deteriorates, businesses’ fears over cancelled contracts extend far beyond emerging markets.

In October, rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Fitch cut the outlook on UK Government debt from “stable” to “negative” (a step short of a full downgrade) following the Government’s recent “mini-Budget”.

When Governments find themselves under financial pressure, they become increasingly likely to breach contracts that they or other public sector bodies have with businesses.

Insurers are also seeing increased enquiries about contract frustration insurance in what had previously been ‘safe’ investment destinations such as the UK and the EU.

One area of demand is from private equity investors supporting infrastructure projects in emerging markets who are now looking to additional insurance against potential losses caused by governments cancelling infrastructure projects.

Contract frustration

Other businesses which are particularly concerned about suffering losses as governments come under financial pressure include construction companies with contracts related to infrastructure projects, as well as the energy and mining sectors.

Jonathan Bint says: “As the increase in sovereign debt downgrades suggests, the risk of losses from cancelled government contracts is likely to grow further.

”Even countries such as the UK have been known to cancel major commercial contracts during times of economic stress. Contract frustration insurance is a way for businesses to shield themselves from subsequent losses.”

Governments are borrowing significant amounts to alleviate the effects of rising energy prices and broader inflation on their populations. At the same time, rising interest rates are increasing Governments’ debt servicing costs.

Increased concerns over the state of public finances globally has increased demand for contract frustration insurance, which insures against non-payment or cancellation of contracts by Governments