Ukraine: Adversity does not define a country

Ukraine: Adversity does not define a country

Michael Hasenstab, CIO, global bonds, at Franklin Templeton fixed income group, explains why, despite the rising tensions, he is still an investor in Ukraine.

When we first considered Ukraine as an investment prospect, it made sense to us. The long-term potential of the region seemed remarkable. After all, there is an incredible wealth of human capital and agricultural endowment, and Ukraine holds a strategically important position 19905369geographically and geopolitically, straddling Europe and the east. Despite some of its short-term fiscal issues, it has little indebtedness. Its debt-to-GDP ratio is just over 40%. This is a manageable amount, being as it is about half that of the United States and a fraction of what so-called ‘problem’ cou...