2013 vs 1991

1.  Is 2013 going to be a repeat of 1991?

 Basis for this question:

(i)                  1991 crisis triggered by BoP pressures, which in turn were a consequence of fiscal profligacy of the 1980s.

(ii)                Now we are having twin deficits once again

(iii)               Large fiscal and current account deficits are lead indicators of stress building up in the system.

 In 1991, an implosion was imminent. In 2013, an implosion is not imminent. Why?

(i)                  Structure of the economy has changed in fundamental ways. The share of services sector in the economy has increased from 41% in 1991 to 67% in 2012. Performance of the services sector of the economy is less variable than that of agriculture and industry.

(ii)                Today, Indian financial markets are more mature, diverse and deep. Have resilience to absorb shocks.

(iii)               Our regulatory systems and crisis response mechanisms are more robust and sophisticated.

(iv)              In 1991, rupee was overvalued by more than 20%. Today, exchange rate is largely market determined, and therefore able to absorb shocks.

(v)                Foreign exchange reserves are much larger; provide 8 months of import cover as against 2 months of import cover in 1991.

(vi)              External sector vulnerability indicators have deteriorated over the last year, but they are still at safe levels and much better when compared to 1991.