‘Economy in deep trouble, to shrink 5%’
The HinduS&P Global Ratings on Friday said the Indian economy is in deep trouble with growth expected to contract by 5% this fiscal. In its report titled ‘Asia-Pacific losses near $3 trillion as balance sheet recession looms,’ S&P projected the region’s economy to shrink by 1.3% in 2020, but grow by 6.9% in 2021. The recovery looks set to be weighed down by indebted balance sheets, however.” One risk now looming larger is yet another ‘balance sheet recession’ in which at least one important sector of the economy — the government, firms, or households — tries to bolster its weak financial position by saving more, paying down debt and spending less, S&P said. “This means less investment, slower recovery, and a permanent hit to the economy that will last even after a vaccine is found.” The pandemic caused a sudden stop in activity and to prevent a collapse, policymakers, helped by banks, have provided extraordinary financial support to firms and households.