In the second quarter of 2021, rising COVID-19 cases have cast a shadow over emerging East Asia's growth outlook. Yet the region's financial conditions remain broadly stable amid accommodative monetary policy stances despite some weakening signs. Local currency (LCY) bond markets in emerging East Asia expanded to $21.1 trillion at the end of June, as governments tapped LCY bonds to support recovery measures and contain the negative impact of rising COVID-19 cases. The ASEAN+3 sustainable bond market expanded to $345.2 billion at the end of Q2 2021, accounting for nearly 19% of the global sustainable bond market. The risk to the outlook for regional financial markets remains tilted to the downside. Uncertainty over recovery prospects due to COVID-19, combined with a strong US economic rebound and possible earlier-than-expected monetary policy normalization in the US, could lead to further weakening of financial conditions. This issue of the Asia Bond Monitor features special boxes on emerging East Asia's economic outlook, market capacity and central banks’ asset purchasing programs, debt build-up, and social risk in developing Asia.

This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.

This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.

This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.

This edition finds improvements in emerging East Asian bond markets despite the resurgence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in early 2021. Yet, uncertainties continue to influence economic outlook in Asia and the Pacific. Overall investment sentiment in the region remained subdued amid looming uncertainties in the fight against COVID-19 and inflationary pressure in the United States (US). Yet, there is increasing awareness within the region of the importance of a green and inclusive recovery. Also featured in this edition are the use of green sukuk (Islamic bonds) to fund environment-friendly investments and digital finance for sustainable investments. The theme chapter discusses developments on the public and private governance of sustainable finance.

This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.

This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.