COVID-19 and inequality: same storm, different boats

The pandemic crisis has revealed how disparities in income, healthcare access and educational opportunity can amplify the damage of an economic shock. As policymakers globally look to address these issues through initiatives such as the Next Generation EU Fund, the proposed Build Back Better plan in the US and China’s Common Prosperity agenda, a key question is whether policies aimed at bridging wealth gaps can mitigate the negative economic consequences of widening inequality. Also, is the squeeze of the middle class in some countries spurring greater demands for change, and could it fuel social unrest? And could rising inflation exacerbate the problem? 

Guests: Susan Fitzgerald, Associate Managing Director – US Public Finance, Moody’s Investors Service; Gabriel Torres, Vice President/Senior Credit Officer – Sovereign Risk Group, Moody’s Investors Service. 

Host: Sarah Carlson, Senior Vice President – Sovereign Risk Group, Moody’s Investors Service.

To read more on this topic, visit The Big Picture page on Moodys.com (some content only available to registered users or subscribers).

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