Emerging Markets Bond Index

Why in the news?

• India's local bonds will be included in the Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) index of the JP Morgan.
• It is expected to reach the maximum weight of 10 per cent in the GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (GBI-EM GD).

About Emerging Markets Bond Index:

• It is a benchmark index for measuring the total return performance of international government and corporate bonds issued by emerging market countries that meet specific liquidity and structural requirements.
• Emerging market bonds are debt instruments issued by developing countries, which tend to carry higher yields than government or corporate bonds of developed countries.
• Total 23 Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) with a combined notional value of $330 billion are eligible.
• All fall under the category of "fully accessible" for non-residents.

Advantages of this inclusion

• This move promises increased demand for the Indian rupee, potentially buffering against depreciation.
• Lower borrowing costs can fuel essential infrastructure projects.
• Increased liquidity may foster more efficient trading conditions.