Over 50% of Italy's business debt
is speculative, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday.
This is despite "considerable falls registered since the
financial crisis," it said.
Some 50% of debt issued by firms in the United States and
China is speculative grade or high-risk, the IMF said.
The percentage is "even higher in Italy, Spain and Great
Britain despite the notable falls seen since the financial
crisis".
Worldwide, businesses' ability repay debt is "weakening", the
IMF said.
In the event of material economic slowing, firms' at risk
debt may rise to 19 trillion dollars, it said.
The Italian economy has been emerging from a triple-dip
recession.
But there have been recent signs that it may be falling back
into recession.
The government is aiming to boost the economy with its 2020
budget.
The bill features tax cuts and a boost in investments for a
'green new deal'.
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