Moody's: Negative outlook for APAC..........>

RATINGS: Moody's: Negative outlook for APAC sovereigns in 2020

- Moody's Investors Service says in a new report that its outlook for APAC

sovereign creditworthiness in 2020 is negative, underpinned by slower economic

growth, a turbulent external environment and some governments' reduced capacity

to respond to shocks. A gradual slowdown in growth globally, exacerbated by

trade tensions between China (A1 stable) and the US (Aaa stable) --

notwithstanding the phase one trade deal -- will constrain the credit quality of

rated sovereigns in APAC. "Despite the phase one deal, the prospect of the US

and China agreeing on long-term issues like industrial policy, intellectual

property and market access remains highly uncertain. As a result, the US-China

trade relationship will remain a source of uncertainty and volatility in 2020,"

says Martin Petch, a Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.

- Link: https://tinyurl.com/w44elpa