S&P gives Malta a positive outlook

Standard and Poor’s has affirmed Malta’s ‘A-/A-2’ ratings with a positive outlook.

In it’s report S&P acknowledged the consolidation of government finances, reduced general government debt relative to GDP and structural reforms. The positive rating reflects Malta’s strong growth performance, the recurring current account surpluses by Malta’s large services exports and the improving general government budgetary position and fiscal management.

The report also noted that domestic banks are highly liquid and possess a low loan-to-deposit ratio.

2019 is expected to see growth moderate but to still exceed that of peers at similar income levels and stages of development.

In a reaction Malta’s Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna welcomes the positive feedback and confirmed that the government was committed to ‘continue along this successful path’.