Regional Research Articles

Jamaica

Jamaica - Macroeconomic Outlook & Sector Brief - February 2024

Summary

The International Monetary Fund predicts a 2.4% growth rate in 2024, down from the 2.8% recorded in 2023. China exceeded expectations in 2023 with a growth rate of 5.2%, primarily due to changes in the statistical methodology, as analysts initially projected 4.3% growth. The estimated growth in the US was 2.6%, despite rising interest rates. Europe and Latin America expanded by 0.6% and 2.0%, respectively.

In 2024, China is expected to grow by 4.5%, below the 20-year average of 9.2%, influenced by challenges in the property market and high debt levels. 
The US is likely to experience lower growth at 1.0%, impacted by waning savings, slower job creation, and high-interest rates. Europe is expected to 
grow by about 0.7%, hindered by the underperformance of the German economy and gas supply challenges. Latin America's growth is projected at 
about 1.6%, influenced by slow global demand and export prices.

Inflation in the United States reached...Read more

Possible Jamaican Equity Opportunities - February 2022

Summary

• JMMB Research continues to monitor the equity investment space. As a result, we have identified a few opportunities which may exist that clients could look at. We note also that this list is not exhaustive. 
• As the economic environment, both domestically and internationally, continues to change, the performance of these entities may also change. We encourage our clients to keep abreast of our detailed reviews and to also maintain a diversified portfolio. 
• We do not guarantee the performance of any asset and advise clients that every investment opportunity has its own unique set of risks.  
• Major near term risks to stock performance include: (I) increasing international freight & shipping costs; (II) rising oil prices; (III) international geopolitical pressures (Russia / Ukraine); (IV) rising domestic interest rates/cost of capital / existing interest expenditure; (V) Rising inflation and (VI) the ongoing global pandemic and its consequent impact of domestic economic recovery... Read more

Jamaica Economic Update & Outlook -September 2021

Summary

The Bank of Jamaica appears set to raise the policy rate despite inflation pressures arising from external price shocks. Advanced economies are facing higher than usual inflation but are likely to keep their policy rate fixed as a desire for robust and stable growth supersedes their desire to bring transitory inflation under control. Jamaica’s economic growth is likely to remain robust in Q3:21 but will taper off in 2022 as the pace of economic recovery fades. With the fiscal

accounts showing stronger than expected revenue inflows and increasing health and security costs, the government is set table a supplementary budget. An increase in interest rates threatens to raise the cost of servicing government debt and lower medium and long-term economic growth...Read more

Jamaica Update -Supplementary Estimates Released - May 2020

Summary

The Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Nigel Clarke, tabled in the Parliament in mid-May the first supplementary budget just two and a half months after tabling the Budget for FY 2020/21.  In an opinion piece on the budget (Jamaica Budget Opinion, March 2020), we advised that there was a high risk that the budget would have to be recast due to the imminent threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on GDP growth and revenue flows.  Our words were prescient as the virus has become a full-scale global pandemic infecting over 4.9 million persons and has so far caused the death of more than 321,000 individuals.  Two of Jamaica’s principal trading partners, the United States and the United Kingdom, are among the countries with the highest number of deaths at 91,500 and 36,300, respectively...Read more

COVID-19 Portfolio Impact- March 2020

Summary

With the recent official announcements of the imported cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to Jamaica, many are asking about the impact to their savings and investments, and what opportunities may lie ahead. The reality is that long before the virus reached our shores, the markets, in particular the equities market, in response to international news reports, were already experiencing increased volatility. 
The question on everyone’s mind is, what should I be doing now to remain on track to achieve my financial goals?...Read more

Assessment of the Budget and Revenue Measures - March 2020

Summary

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is programming to spend $852.6 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2020/21. This is $6.4 billion or 0.7% lower than the estimated final spending during the previous fiscal year. Above the line expenditure amounts to $660.2 billion of which the lion share goes to recurrent spending ($582.2 billion or 88.2%) and the remainder on capital spending ($74.2 billion or 11.2%). Revenue inflows of $675.1 billion is expected to cover programmed above the line spending resulting in a fiscal surplus of $14.9 billion or 0.7% of GDP. When interest payments are added to the fiscal surplus a primary balance surplus of $147.5 billion or (6.5% of GDP) is generated...Read more

Jamaica: Standard and Poor’s Credit Ratings Upgrade - September 2019

Summary
September 27, 2019, Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (S&P) raised Jamaica’s long-term foreign and local currency credit ratings on Jamaica to B+ from B while at the same time the ratings agency viewed the outlook as stable.

S&P advised that the stable outlook reflects that the sovereign’s fiscal path is likely to remain consistent in spite of the expiration of the Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The ratings agency expects relatively high primary balance surpluses, resulting in gradual reduction in debt stock and interest burden, and improvements in reserves. S&P expects Jamaica growth momentum to continue modestly, with improvement in monetary policy and a push towards a more flexible exchange rate...Read more

The Jamaican Budget: Economic Stability and the Domestic Capital Market

Summary

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) tabled the Estimate of Expenditure, the Fiscal Policy Paper (FPP) and the Medium-term Debt Strategy (MTDS) in mid-February in keeping with amendments to the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act. At the macro level there is no surprise regarding the shift in the different line items in this year’s budget and expected expenditure over the medium term. As we have argued via this platform, the tabling of a medium-term expenditure framework is in keeping with good governance. It covers multiple fiscal cycles and allows for better planning by the constituents within the economy who are impacted by the budget....Read more

Jamaica Foreign Exchange Volatility: How long will it last? - September 2018

Summary

During the second half of 2017 high levels of domestic economic confidence coupled with elevated USD liquidity resulted in the Jamaica dollar (JMD) gaining strength against the US dollar (USD). As at May 2017 the 12-month depreciation rate for the JMD relative to the USD was 5.1%. However by year-end the JMD recovered and appreciated by 2.7% driven in part from increased USD flows. As at April 2018, the value of the JMD was relatively in line with the value as at end-December 2017. However, the local currency fluctuated over the period in line with expectations...Read more

Jamaica Update - July 2018

Summary

Is there room for further reduction in domestic interest rates?

In June the Bank of Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) reduced the policy rate by 50 basis points (bps) or 0.5% to 2%. This marks the second time in 6 months that the central bank has lowered the signal rate. The central bank has indicated that, in its opinion, lending rates are too high, despite downward movements over the last 3 years. While demand and supply conditions to a large extent influence loan rates, there are other factors that feature prominently in the mix. Three such factors are: 1) expected inflation 2) credit risk and 3) liquidity premium.

The latter two factors we will refer to collectively as risks. As such, for interest rates to fall and remain subdued over the long-run two conditions must be satisfied in that inflation and the overall risk to the economy has to decline over time....Read more

Jamaica Update & Outlook- January 22 2018

Summary

Historically the Jamaican dollar has followed a path of depreciation since the challenges of the 1990’s. However, of late, improvements in the fiscal, reduced oil prices and its pass through effect to the balance of payments (BOP), the NIR and inflation have led to less aggressive depreciation and even appreciation. This piece takes a truncated view of recent happenings and seeks to highlight how the central bank has improved the process via improved information flow to the market...Read More

Jamaica - October 2017

Summary

Jamaica’s debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to fall precipitously by end-FY2017/18 due in part to a change in the definition of debt which eliminates cross-holdings of securities by some public bodies. The debt ratio will continue to fall towards the targeted ratios at end-March 2020 and 2025, but may deviate because of non-realization of the growth rates envisaged by the authorities. It is expected that....Read more

Jamaica Taxation and Financing the Budget: FY 2017/18

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw opened the budget debate for the new fiscal administrative year on March 10, 2017 and announced revenue measures amounting to approximately $29 billion (1.7% of GDP) to help finance budgeted expenditure of $715.6 billion. Based on the measures announced, $19.0 billion represents new taxes on corporates and individuals. Of the $19 billion to be collected, $13.5 billion is to go to central government while the remaining amount is to go to the Municipal Councils. The remaining portion of $11.4 billion will be drawn from the National Housing Trust (NHT)...Read more

The Bank of Jamaica – February 2017

Research Update

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) monitors the performance of deposit taking institutions as a part of its mandate to maintain stability in the domestic financial system. One of the tools that the BOJ uses to achieve this is a requirement for financial institutions to maintain certain ratios which the central bank has the power to do by law. From time to time and as the economic fundamentals allow, the BOJ adjusts these requirements to send a signal to the market…Read more

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Update - July 2021

Summary

• The economy is expected to expand by 4.8% driven by exports of goods and services, including tourism, and mining.
• COVID-19 social programmes are expected to carry over into 2021, keeping spending elevated.
• The fiscal deficit will remain wide in 2021 but is expected to contract thereafter.
• Debt level is expected to breach 60%...Read more

Dominican Republic Update - September 2020

Summary

Preliminary data showed that the Dominican Republic’s (DR) economy contracted by 8.5% over the period January-June 2020. For the period January-July arrivals at the airports declined by 62.7% relative to the similar period in 2019. In response, the fiscal authority and the central bank have implemented policies to help stimulate the economy. It is possible that further stimulus may be required to help improve growth and reduce unemployment. Due to the contraction in tourism and remittance flows the current account deficit has increased, so too has the depreciation momentum of the peso relative to the US dollar. Inflation has been...Read more

Dominican Republic Update - April 2019

Summary

Moody’s conducted a detailed credit assessment of the Dominican Republic, looked at four rating factors in isolation and comparatively with other Ba-rated sovereigns. The factors assessed were as follows: economic strength, institutional strength, fiscal strength and susceptibility to market risks.
Moody’s is of the opinion that the sovereign’s economic strength is “Moderate +.” This designation reflects expected real GDP growth of 5%-5.5% over the next two years, and is driven by the country’s reliance on tourism. The sovereign’s institutional strength is “Low (-)” which highlights corruption challenges, and is in part made visible by the Odebrecht scandal that has engulfed several Latin America countries. Moody’s rates the sovereign’s fiscal strength as “Very low (+)” due to the high proportion of foreign-debt relative to the total debt and low debt affordability. With respect to susceptibility to event risk, Moody’s deemed it to be “Low (+)”. This view is predicated on declining balance of payment risks and containment of government liquidity risks...Read more

Dominican Republic Update & Outlook- April 19 2018

Summary

The Banco Central de la Republic Dominica (BCRD) is projecting real economic growth in the Dominican Republic of 5.5% - 6.5% in 2018. The growth outlook is predicated on continued expansion in tourism, construction, exportation from the export zones, and the mining sector. We are forecasting growth of under 5% driven by higher levels of output in the aforementioned sectors. Higher GDP growth in the US buoyed by an increase in consumer spending will contribute to expansion in demand for tourism and goods from the free trade zones...Read More

Dominican Republic Update & Outlook- January 19 2018

Summary

The Dominican Republic remains the fastest growing economy in Latin America and the Caribbean despite an expected slowdown in 2017. The growth momentum is tempered in part by slower Government spending to meet the fiscal target over the medium-term. Tourism and related construction activities remain the main drivers of the growth dynamics with aid from mining and exports from the free zones. Inflation is trending up in part due to an increase in crude oil prices. The domestic economy is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for transportation, electricity generation and domestic purposes. Thus a rise in oil prices is transmitted through these conduits to push inflation...Read More

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Update - January 2022

Summary

Trinidad and Tobago's economy is expected to grow in 2021, and the growth momentum is likely to extend over the medium term. Higher output boosted by elevated hydrocarbon prices should lead to an uptick in government revenues. With growing debt levels that caused several rating downgrades over the last five years, the government, although tempted to spend more, will have to contain spending to bring the deficit under control. Like revenues, the external balance has improved but remains tethered to price movement in the energy market and domestic energy output. Inflation remains weak, while the threat of an increase in the US policy rate could force the central bank to increase its policy rate. The overall risk to the economy is growing, reflecting mutation of the coronavirus and lower than envisaged energy prices...Read more

Trinidad and Tobago Update - September 2020

Summary

The global economy faces strong headwinds in the coming quarters because of the negative effect of covid-19 containment measures on consumption, production, and government revenues.  We expected subdued hydrocarbon prices and domestic consumption to continue to weigh negatively on Trinidad and Tobago’s economy for the rest of 2020 through to 2021 with risk tilted towards the downside. The economy is expected to contract by 5% in 2020 while the fiscal deficit and debt to GDP are expected rise to 8% and 71% respectively.  An increase in the spread of covid-19 globally could push hydrocarbon prices further downwards due to lower consumption, while an increase in spread at the domestic level could force the government to restrict the movements of persons and restrict business activities.  In either scenario growth would be further affected, undermining domestic production and consumption....Read more

2018/2019 Trinidad and Tobago Budget Highlights: Pivoting to Economic Recovery

Summary

This was the theme for the FY 2018/2019 budget, presented by Finance Minister Colm Imbert on October 1, 2018. His address highlighted his continued optimism for the recovery of Trinidad and Tobago, expected projects for the energy sector and the Petrotrin story. In light of changing economic climate and wavering investor uncertainty, this review takes a closer look at the budget statement through the lens of the investor and discusses any associated implications...Read more

Trinidad and Tobago Update - July 2018

Summary

The domestic economy in Trinidad and Tobago is slowing evolving with growth expected upward of 2% over the medium term due largely to activities in the petroleum sector. Owing to ongoing fiscal consolidation, further reduction is expected in the deficit and the debt. As a result of continued normalization of monetary policy in the US and the attendant impact on the sovereign’s financial accounts, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) increased the repo rate in June. Further rate hikes are expected in the future consistent with activities in the domestic economy, particularly the non-petroleum sector, and rate rise in the US....Read more

Trinidad and Tobago Update & Outlook- April 19 2018

Summary

Real economic growth is expected to improve over the next two years driven in part by higher hydrocarbon output and prices. This is likely to have a positive impact on household income, the non-petroleum sector and government revenues. No major windfall is however expected in government revenues to facilitate continuation of high subsidies and transfers by the authorities relative to earlier periods. As a consequence of the fiscal consolidation measures being undertaken, the inflationary impulse resounding from increased household spending will be tempered. Thus, while inflation is expected to rise, it is expected to be bounded at the longterm average of around 5% per annum over the medium-term....Read More

Trinidad & Tobago Update & Outlook- January 4 2018

Summary

The economic condition in Trinidad and Tobago remains fluid with the risk of growth tilted toward the downside. The general outlook is that inflation will rise over the medium-term, but should remain relatively subdued in part due to low fiscal spending and slow upward adjustments in household income. Depreciatory pressures in the foreign currency market are likely to persist throughout 2018 if the authority maintains its current stance. It is our opinion however that at some point in the near future the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) will commence the cycle of rate increase, not necessarily on the accord of domestic economic factors, but rather to match the rate rise in the US to mitigate the risk of capital flight...Read More

Trinidad & Tobago Downgraded to BBB+/Stable-April-21-2017

Summary

The downgrade by S&P does not come as a surprise as the previous rating of “A-“ had a negative outlook.The negative outlook indicates that there was a 33.33% chance of a downgrade over the next 12 months if the external position were to deteriorate further. The debt ratios have been deteriorating and economic growth has been a challenge. Nonetheless Trinidad remains a relatively strong sovereign with good fundamentals and high external liquidity.

The recent upward movement in oil prices above US$50 per barrel is a good sign. The Heritage and Stabilization Fund does allow the sovereign to run counter-cyclical fiscal policies and while debt has risen sharply, the projection is for the ratio to decline going forward. Net International Reserves (NIR) are above US$9 billion and the interest coverage ratio, though climbing above 10% in recent times, is projected to decline and remains relatively manageable.

We remain confident in the T&T authorities and believe that it is a matter of implementation of policies, upgrade of of hydrocarbon facilities, some diversification of the economy and increasing the attractiveness of drilling tenders tore turn the sovereign over time to its more lofty “A” rated position.

Note also that while there has been a downgrade, Trinidad remains firmly in the investment grade category...Read more

Trinidad and Tobago Update – March 2017

Company Background

Sharp reductions in hydrocarbon prices since 2014 and supply side challenges in the petroleum sector are having a negative impact on the domestic economy. Consequently real output contracted in 2014 and 2015 by 1.2% cumulatively and is expected to fall by 4.5% in 2016. Data from Q2:16 indicate that real output fell for the period year-on-year by 8% due to reductions in output in the Petroleum and Non-Petroleum sector of 12.6% and 5.4%, respectively. All the major subsectors experienced declines in output with the exception of Agriculture where output increased by 2%...Read more