IMF: global debt has never been higher - Reuters

As reported by Reuters, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is out with commentary on the state of global debt, but Reuters also points out some caveats in the IMF's argument.

Key quotes

" Global debt has never been higher, the IMF said this week."

"Countries to take advantage of current strong GDP growth rates and reduce it before economic and financial stability come under serious threat."

"Debt at the end of 2016 was $164 trillion, or 225 percent of global GDP."

"By and large, the world financial system is stronger now than it was in 2007, the world economy is posting its strongest synchronised growth since 2011, and inflation remains conspicuous by its absence."

"Countries that borrow in their own currency are inured from exchange rate risk and imported inflation."

"Japan has long had the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in the world, but its bond yields and interest rates have long been the lowest in the world."