“Positive labour market trends boosted by strong net migration and reform, improved competitiveness, and the absence of macro-financial imbalances, underpin Fitch’s assessment that Spain will continue outperforming its eurozone peers over our forecast horizon,” the agency said, maintaining Spain’s rating at “A-“.
The country has been a bright spot in the euro zone, supported by a buoyant tourism-driven service sector and resilient manufacturing, while sluggish industrial demand took a toll on the rest of the region.
The Spanish economy grew at a faster-than-expected rate of 0.8% in the third quarter this year from the previous three months, and 3.4% year-on-year, outpacing its European peers.
Fitch on Friday projected Spain’s real GDP to grow at 2.9% in 2024, with average growth of 2.2% in 2025 and 2026.
However, challenges remain as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez relies on a fragile alliance with smaller parties to pass legislation, increasing policy implementation risks.
The Sanchez administration is banking on tax reform to achieve its medium-term fiscal targets but will face expenditure pressures, Fitch said.
Source: Economy - investing.com