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

Risk Warning Review plans aim to address 'negative framing' of investing

Risk Warning Review plans aim to address 'negative framing' of investing

Lowest investment rate in G7

Alex Sebastian
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
Equity fund outflows hit £1.44bn during war-torn March

Equity fund outflows hit £1.44bn during war-torn March

Calastone Fund Flow index shows

Professional Adviser
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
Quality investing: Holding conviction when markets test investors

Quality investing: Holding conviction when markets test investors

Quality investors have no doubt had their conviction 'severely tested' of late

Scott Spencer
clock 31 March 2026 • 5 min read