Skip to main content

What’s behind the EMBI Global spread?

The “stripped” spread of the JP Morgan EMBI Global Index, which includes the dollar denominated debt of 61 emerging market governments, is still around 430bp despite falling slightly in recent weeks. This is close to its level at the end of 2003, even though there has been a marked improvement in the average credit rating of the countries in the index since then. While this could reflect investors’ expectations that the credit ratings of many of the constituents are set to be downgraded, we think it has more to do with specific concerns about a small number of troubled countries. 

Become a client to read more

This is premium content that requires an active Capital Economics subscription to view.

Already have an account?

You may already have access to this premium content as part of a paid subscription.

Sign in to read the content in full or get details of how you can access it

Register for free

Sign up for a free account to gain:

  • Unlock additional content
  • Register for Capital Economics events
  • Receive email updates and economist-curated newsletters
  • Request a free trial of our services


Get access