Wall Street gives mixed response to Colombia's fiscal plan
BOGOTA: Colombian economic officials received a mixed response from Wall Street this week after presenting a fiscal plan that sharply raises deficit targets, with some expressing confidence while others voiced scepticism.
Bogota, Colombia - Colombian economic officials presented a fiscal plan to Wall Street this week, receiving a mixed reaction. The plan, outlined by Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo in meetings with the Ministry of Commerce and Finance, includes higher borrowing and increased fiscal deficits for 2026 and 2027.
Bank of America upgraded Colombia's external debt rating to overweight following the discussions, appreciating the political commitment to fiscal adjustment and the plan's implementation. However, skepticism persisted among investors.
Investors praised the Colombian administration's transparency in its figures and fiscal goals, yet expressed concerns about the foreign bond market's complexity and the difficulty in securing favorable rates. A senior executive from an investment bank noted the challenges, while another's private note indicated the plan might only marginally reduce concerns, predicting yields to be pressured and recovery hampered.
The government recently raised its deficit targets for 2026 to 7.2% of GDP, up from 5.3%, and for 2027 to 9.4%, from 4.5%. Government borrowing is projected to surge from US$32.98 billion in 2026 to US$34 billion, and then to an estimated US$71.66 billion in 2027.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
