Fitch cuts Turkey debt outlook after coup attempt
WASHINGTON - Agence France-Presse
The agency affirmed the country's rating at BBB-, a notch above junk grade.
Fitch said “political uncertainty following the failed coup will impact economic performance and could hurt economic policy.”
“The authorities are responding to the coup attempt with a purge of the followers of those it blames, with around 70,000 public sector workers suspended so far," the agency said in a statement.
"The implications for checks and balances, which in Fitch's opinion have eroded in recent years, are unclear, as is the potential for further disruption from those behind the coup attempt."
Fitch said revenues from tourism arrivals were down 41 percent year-on-year for the first half of 2016, a sector which accounts for 13 percent of external receipts.
"Growth is forecast to dip due to lower investment," the statement said, "although a strong start to the year means that, at a Fitch-forecast 3.4 percent of GDP in 2016, it will be above the peer median."