There is a long-running narrative about emerging markets, with which most of us are very familiar. They are faster growing, more dynamic economies than in the western world. Their fabled, rising middle class is going to fuel new consumption and the development of new brands. They are, in short, the future, and the time to invest is now. Yet, since February, emerging markets have run into a bit of a brick wall, and not for the first time in recent years. What gives?
The proximate cause for concern is emerging market currencies. This is usually a sign of other problems. The JP Morgan index of EM currencies, which surged in 2017, has given up nearly all its gains, dropping to its lowest level in a year. Hardest hit have been the Turkish lira and the Argentine peso.
In fact, if you are going to Turkey for your summer holidays, you’ll be overjoyed. Your pounds will go almost 20 per cent further than you might have imagined if you had booked in January, and almost 40 per cent further than a year ago. It’s all a bit volatile at the moment because yesterday the Turkish central bank raised a key interest rate from 13.5 to 16.5 per cent, doubtless to President Erdogan’s chagrin, and the lira rallied by 5 per cent. The Argentine peso has dropped by nearly a third against Sterling since the end of last year, and by 65 per cent compared with a year ago.
You have now reached your limit of 3 free articles in the last 30 days.
But don't worry! You can get another 7 articles absolutely free, simply by entering your email address in the box below.
When you register we'll also send you a free e-book—Writing with punch—which includes some of the finest writing from our archive of 22 years. And we'll also send you a weekly newsletter with the best new ideas in politics and philosophy of culture, which you can of course unsubscribe from at any time
Prospect may process your personal information for our legitimate business purposes, to provide you with our newsletter, subscription offers and other relevant information.
Click to learn more about these interests and how we use your data. You will be able to object to this processing on the next page and in all our communications.
