The Constitutional Court provisionally suspended the agreement that allowed companies that currently do not have the economic capacity to comply with the payment of the Annual Bonus, to reconcile the amortization of the obligation with the employees.
The agreement of the Ministry of Labor (Mintrab) 250-2020, which was published in the Diario de Centroamérica on July 10, stipulates that in order to postpone the payment of the Bono 14, employers who are not in a position to do so due to the economic crisis resulting from the outbreak of covid-19, could make an application to the Ministry.
Institutional problems and lower levels of economic growth compared to other countries with the same risk rating, could cause in the future a degradation of Guatemala's debt rating.
Guatemalan businessmen assure that the change from Stable to Negative made by Fitch Ratings in the country's risk perspective should be taken seriously, since investments could stagnate.
On April 11, Fitch announced that it maintained its "BB" rating for long-term foreign currency debt default, but decided to modify the outlook because the country reflects political tension and greater uncertainty in agents, as well as a constant erosion in the government's low tax collection.
Fitch Ratings confirmed the long-term foreign currency debt default rating of "BB", but changed the outlook from stable to negative.
The review of Guatemala's negative outlook reflects political tension and greater uncertainty in agents, as well as a constant erosion in the government's low tax collection, the rating agency argued.
The latest risk ratings for the issuance of long-term debt of Central American economies identify Panama as the most attractive country to invest in.
On March 8, Moody's decided to raise its long-term issuer rating in foreign currency from Baa2 to Baa1, arguing that the outlook remains more favorable in the medium term.
Citing a long history of fiscal and monetary policy characterized by prudent management, the rating agency Moody's maintained the country's credit risk rating in Ba1.
From a statement issued by the Bank of Guatemala:
June 2018.Moody's Investors Service maintains the credit risk rating for Guatemala at Ba1 with a stable outlook.
Fitch has also downgraded the issue ratings on Guatemala's senior unsecured foreign and local currency bonds to 'BB' from 'BB+', with outlook revised to Stable.
From the press release by Fitch Ratings:
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Guatemala's long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to 'BB' from 'BB+'. Fitch has also downgraded the issue ratings on Guatemala's senior unsecured foreign and local currency bonds to 'BB' from 'BB+'. The Rating Outlooks on the long-term IDRs have been revised to Stable from Negative. In addition, Fitch has downgraded Guatemala's Country Ceiling to 'BB+' from 'BBB-' and affirmed the short-term foreign currency IDR at 'B'.
Warnings are being issued of a possible rise in the cost of credit if the government finances its spending with bonds issued in the local market.
Elperiodico.com.gt reports: "If Congress authorizes for the next fiscal period the issuance of $1.282 billion in bonds to finance public spending, as the executive branch plans, credit to the private sector could be affected ... ".
The monetary authority has endorsed the issuance of $447 million in Treasury bonds, which will be used to settle debts with private contractors.
José Luis Agüero, president of the Guatemalan Chamber of Construction (CGC) believes that this is an important step to be able to honor the debt, and if Congress goes on to approve the issuance, they will become resources that will revive the economy.
The presidents of various Guatemalan unions have asked the Monetary Board not to authorize the issuance sought by the state.
According to representatives of the Chambers of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce associated with the Committee of Commercial, Industrial and Financial Associations (Cacif), this action "will affect the macroeconomy and increase the fiscal deficit."
On January 15, 2013 Guatemala started the issuance of Treasury Bonds for fiscal year 2013.
A press release from the Ministry of Finance, Guatemala reads:
The Ministry of Finance successfully launched this January 15, 2013, a placement of Treasury Bonds by the Republic of Guatemala for fiscal year 2013, approved by Decree No. 30-2012 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, "Law on General Budget Revenues and Expenditures for Fiscal Year Two Thousand Thirteen".
Doubts on the legitimacy of government debts to banks and construction companies, which would be paid with the tax revenues, have prompted the president's decision.
The Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial and Financial Associations (CACIF) expressed its concerns to President Pérez Molina.
Outstanding debts to state contractors, to which proceeds from the sale of bonds are destined, may have arisen from contracts whose legality is being called into question.
Governments should act as good parents, thinking about the welfare of future generations, not just about the next election.
Governments should act as good parents, thinking about the welfare of future generations, not just about the next election.
In his article in Martes Financiero, Oscar Castaño Llorente discusses the rationale of the proposed creation of the Panama Savings Fund (FAP in Spanish), not only in its philosophical scope, but also from a practical point of view, present and future.
Fitch Ratings has analyzed patterns of economic growth in Central America, and its relationship to sovereign debt ratings.
According to Fitch Ratings, two patterns have emerged in the evolution of economic growth and public finances in Central America. The quality of sovereign credit in Central America is largely reflected by these two patterns, and this is expected to remain the case for the foreseeable future.
This is the maximum amount allowed by law and the first issue will be on February 13th .
Guatemala's government plans to place up to Q 2,500 million ($ 320.1 million) in treasury bills in 2012, announced the Ministry of Public Finance (Minfin). The first release will take place on February 13th .
The amount is equivalent to 20 percent of current revenue estimates, which is allowed by Decree33-2011, contained in the State’s Budget of Income and Expenditures for this year, reported La Prensa Libre on its website.