Indebtedness of households and non-financial corporations in many advanced and emerging market economies is high. In many countries, it is continuing to rise. Highly indebted countries may be vulnerable to financial and real shocks, and such indebtedness may undermine the sustainability of growth in the medium term. Finance supports economic activity and innovation, but it can also increase risks, lower growth, and raise inequality. Whilst indebtedness does not necessarily imply financial distress, it is prudent to scrutinise high indebtedness and changes in the composition of financial portfolios, particularly at a time of exceptionally low, but likely rising, interest rates.
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