There are two major factors to be considered while analyzing sovereign bonds. They are: economic risk and political risk. Economic risk is all about the ability and the willingness of the government to satisfy its obligation. Analysts have to perform both qualitative and quantitative tests to analyze economic risk.

The two ratings assigned to a national government are local currency debt rating and foreign currency debt rating. Historically, the default rate on foreign currency debt is higher compared to the local currency debt rating. For a local currency debt rating, the government depends on the taxes and the financial system of its country but with the latter, the government has to purchase foreign currency to meet its obligation. Any depreciation in local currency would affect the government's ability to meet its obligation.