Citi warns of global recession if US triggers 'insane' default - today's papers

clock •

A chorus of global banks has warned that Washington risks triggering a global slump and may suffer permanent loss of credibility by flirting with default on America's $14.3trn (£8.8trn) federal debt.

"Default would be an act of collective insanity," said Willem Buiter, Cititgroup's chief economist. "Even if a default were cured promptly, it would severely dent the credibility of the US as a global financial player and the provider of the world's leading reserve currency. "There would be an immediate repricing of the dollar and an increase in medium and long-term nominal and real interest rates. Asset, credit, and funding markets in the US and the world as a whole would likely suffer and a global recession would likely result, centred in the US, but not restricted to it." Meanwh...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Budget 26: Key takeaways from Healey's first Budget

Budget 26: Key takeaways from Healey's first Budget

Eight takeaways

Michael Nelson
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read
UK inflation jumps higher than forecast to 3.5% in 'dose of reality'

UK inflation jumps higher than forecast to 3.5% in 'dose of reality'

Interest rate hike ‘likely’

Michael Nelson
clock 21 October 2026 • 3 min read
Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

Fahad Hassan: When good news becomes an inflation problem

'Markets have been adjusting to the risks through valuations all year'

Fahad Hassan
clock 29 September 2026 • 6 min read