The economy is beginning to improve, but investor engagement will remain at arms-length as the nation’s domestic political troubles rumble on.

Failure to raise the debt ceiling is unlikely to present an immediate game-changer, but it questions whether the US is a prime, triple-A borrower and what it must do to stop the growing debt-load.

There are still huge obstacles ahead for the high-risk, tier-5 borrower, but the improvement in Euromoney’s country risk survey has been matched by credit rating upgrades and lower borrowing costs.

Europe’s investor prospects are superficially safer due to economic recovery, but elections in Germany and in Italy, especially, present tail-risks. This is a manifestation of deeper uncertainty urging a fresh approach to risk management.

The prospect of nuclear or conventional warfare is a high-impact, but very low-risk event. It is the reality of the demographic time-bomb which should be giving investors as much pause for thought.

The rating agencies seem overzealous downgrading Chile, as commodity prices have rebounded from their lows and its financing problems are a temporary blip.

There are numerous risks for the government to address as the country prepares to elect a new parliament in September.

The sovereign borrower’s investment grade should be handed back, even allowing for the enforced restructuring of the food producer and retailer.

The economy is on the mend and it is high time the raters take notice.

Euromoney’s latest Country Risk Survey shows a gradual rebalancing of risk scores this year, as the aftershocks of the global banking and sovereign debt crises wear off, political risks tied to the European electoral cycle fade, and capital access improves for EMs.

The country’s longer-term credentials are unchanged.

A year ago, the UK had stable government, a strong economy and a predictable trading relationship – now the opportunities are outweighed by the risks.

The decision to isolate Doha for its links to Islamist terrorism has plunged the region into turmoil and sent its creditworthiness into a spin.

It won the Euros, it won Eurovision – now it is time to win back its lost investment grades.

Experts are beginning to feel more confident about Russia’s prospects, and its credit ratings will ultimately reflect this.

The decision by Moody’s to lower its sovereign rating on China was flagged-up in ECR’s crowd-sourcing survey more than a year ago, and it will mean higher funding costs in the offshore market.

Confidence in the oil producer is wavering as a bank crisis unfolds.

Euromoney’s country risk survey shows political risk rising in 64 countries this year. The march of populism is a key factor investors must consider before chasing tempting returns, but there are many others to guard against.