Neptune's Taylor warns of downgrade after quake

clock

Chris Taylor, manager of the Neptune Japan Opportunities fund, has warned Japan may face downgrades to its credit rating and see its currency weaken after last week's earthquake.

Taylor, investment director and head of research at Neptune, says the disaster recovery operation will force government debt higher, prompting ratings agencies to potentially take action. He says: "This is principally a humanitarian disaster which the government will have to finance. This will add to its debt burden, further undermining the currency and making more downgrades likely." Standard & Poor's downgraded Japan's long-term credit rating from AA to AA- with a stable outlook in January, but Taylor expects further moves from ratings agencies in the wake of the natural disasters. ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Trian and General Catalyst to purchase Janus Henderson for $7.4bn

Trian and General Catalyst to purchase Janus Henderson for $7.4bn

Will continue to be led by current management team

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 23 December 2025 • 2 min read
2025 reflections: How strong companies trumped politics

2025 reflections: How strong companies trumped politics

Fears of an AI market bubble persist

Ryan Hughes
clock 23 December 2025 • 3 min read
What does 2026 hold for investment?

What does 2026 hold for investment?

‘The disruptors of yesterday are now the establishment’

Jen Frost
clock 17 December 2025 • 3 min read