Republic of Chile 'A+/A-1' Foreign Currency Ratings Affirmed; Outlook Remains Stable
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RATINGS
Foreign Currency: A+/Stable/A-1
Local Currency: AA-/Stable/A-1+
For further details see Ratings List.
OVERVIEW
- Favorable GDP growth should boost government revenues and improve Chile's
fiscal balance this year, helping to stabilize the net general government
debt burden.
- We expect the Pinera Administration will continue with Chile's
rules-based fiscal policy and take measures to boost its long-term
economic growth prospects.
- We are affirming our long-term foreign currency rating on Chile of 'A+'
and our long-term local currency rating of 'AA-'. We are also affirming
our short-term foreign currency rating of 'A-1' and our 'A-1+' short-term
local currency rating.
- The stable outlook reflects our view that gradual fiscal consolidation
and recovery in GDP growth will help stabilize Chile's public finances
and its external profile.
RATING ACTION
On June 28, 2018, S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'A+' long-term foreign
currency sovereign credit rating and 'AA-' long-term local currency sovereign
credit rating on Chile. The outlook on the long-term ratings remains stable.
At the same time, we affirmed our short-term foreign currency rating of 'A-1'
and our 'A-1+' short-term local currency rating. In addition, we affirmed our
'AA' transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment for Chile.
OUTLOOK
The stable outlook reflects our expectation of continuity in economic policy
over the coming three years. We expect Chile will maintain the distinctive
pillars of its market economy (fiscal and monetary rules, openness to trade
and investment, judicial security, and predictability) while it strengthens
social policies. At the same time, we expect continued GDP growth, moderate
current account deficits (CADs), and low inflation will stabilize Chile's
public finances and its external profile.
We could lower the rating in the next couple of years if a combination of
unexpectedly loose fiscal policy and economic growth lower than our
expectations results in larger-than-expected fiscal deficits. That could
contribute to annual increases in general government debt beyond our
projections. A substantial and prolonged weakening of public finances could
result in a downgrade. Similarly, an unexpected deterioration in Chile's net
external position or a substantial increase in its gross external financing
needs could weaken its external profile, also leading to a lower rating.
Conversely, a sustained recovery in GDP growth along with prudent fiscal and
monetary policies would gradually strengthen Chile's economic base. That,
together with continued diversification of the economy that strengthens its
resilience, could gradually reduce Chile's external vulnerabilities. An
improved external profile could lead us to raise the rating in the next two to
three years.