Business Daily

Bonds: Has the debt become too big?

Jan 13, 2026
Gillian Tett, a prominent financial journalist and columnist at the Financial Times, delves into the evolving power of the global bond market. She reveals that many nations now prioritize debt servicing over essential services like education and healthcare. Tett discusses the implications of high national debt, ranking indebted countries and exploring who owns this debt. She raises alarms about the rising risk of defaults and reflects on historic debt relief measures, highlighting the tough choices governments face amidst political pressures.
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ANECDOTE

Market Panic Toppled A Prime Minister

  • Liz Truss's mini-budget misstep showed how quickly bond market moves can unseat leaders.
  • Bond yields jumped and political confidence collapsed, forcing her resignation after 45 days.
INSIGHT

Rich Nations Carry Record Debt Loads

  • Rich countries now carry historically high debt-to-GDP ratios, led by Japan at about 250% of GDP.
  • Debt burdens rose due to stagnation, large public spending and prolonged low rates that masked costs.
INSIGHT

Ownership And Currency Determine Risk

  • Who owns debt and the currency it’s denominated in shapes a country's fiscal flexibility.
  • Domestic ownership and issuance in your own currency grant options like central bank purchases or currency issuance.
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