IMF warns of US financial uncertainty

Fast interest rate hikes by the US Fed could increase the debt burden of Asian emerging economies

A lack of clarity about the size of an expected US financial stimulus and China’s rapid domestic credit growth are among risks that cloud Asia’s economic outlook, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said on Monday.

IMF Deputy Managing Director Mitsuhiro Furusawa noted a faster-than-expected interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve could trigger a ‘significant’ dollar rise that would increase the debt burden of Asian emerging economies with large dollar-denominated borrowings.

“Asia continues to be the world leader in growth helped by stronger demand and accommodative policies,” Furusawa said.