As 2024 unfolds, emerging market debt finds itself marked by both volatility and significant growth potential, demanding astute management and strategic insight. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Central Europe have further complicated the risk environment, highlighting the necessity for investors to adopt nuanced approaches.
Polina Kurdyavko, Head of BlueBay Emerging Markets, and Mihai Florian, BlueBay Senior Portfolio Manager of Emerging Markets, recently sat down with Institutional Investor to share why EM (emerging markets) debt still proves a compelling entry point or increase in allocation to the asset class for investors with a good understanding of this dynamic market despite current macro dislocations in some sectors.
Key points
There has been a fundamental improvement in sovereign balance sheets and an improved pace of growth in emerging markets.
We've seen a more prudent fiscal stance in the emerging markets versus developed markets in terms of expanding fiscal deficits.
Most companies in emerging markets are funded through loans, not through bonds.
Emerging market loans don't have liquidity, so the illiquid opportunity set is significant.