How to Get the Balance Right: Fiscal Policy At a Time of Crisis

Posted on May 6, 2012 by iMFdirect

The crisis has harmed growth, increased unemployment, and left a large number of people less protected. We are now seeing some signs of stabilization. Most countries are reducing their deficits and even if debt ratios are still rising, the return back to fiscal health has begun.

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Economic Crisis, Employment, Europe, Financial Crisis, Financial sector supervision, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus, growth, Inequality, International Monetary Fund, Multilateral Cooperation, Politics, Public debt, recession | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

Mediocre Growth, High Risks, and The Long Road Ahead

Posted on April 17, 2012 by iMFdirect

Geopolitical tension affecting the oil market is surely a risk. The main risk remains, however, that of another acute crisis in Europe. The building of the “firewalls”, when it is completed, will represent major progress. By themselves, however, firewalls cannot solve the difficult fiscal, competitiveness, and growth issues that some of these countries face. Bad news on the macroeconomic or the political front still carries the risk of triggering the type of dynamics we saw last fall.

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Africa, Asia, Economic Crisis, Economic outlook, Economic research, Emerging Markets, Employment, Europe, Finance, Financial Crisis, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus, Globalization, growth, Inequality, International Monetary Fund, Latin America, LICs, Low-income countries, Middle East, Public debt, recession | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Latin America: Making the Good Times Last

Posted on March 22, 2012 by iMFdirect

Clearly, global uncertainties have weighed on Latin America, but most economies are nevertheless growing close to potential and operating near full capacity, as shown by record low unemployment in many economies. Demand and credit growth have moderated, but continue to expand briskly, in some countries supported by public financial institutions. Overall, Latin America stands out as a relatively bright spot in a gloomy world scene.

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Economic Crisis, Economic outlook, Economic research, Emerging Markets, Employment, Europe, Finance, Financial Crisis, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus, G-20, Globalization, growth, IMF, Latin America, Public debt | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Lagarde: “World Economy Not Out of Danger Zone”

Posted on February 26, 2012 by iMFdirect

“Derailment of the global recovery, which was a clear and distinct danger a few months ago, has been avoided for now thanks to strong policy measures–in particular those of the European Central Bank–and strengthened governance in the euro area, and reforms and adjustment in countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece,” Lagarde said. “High frequency indicators also now suggest an uptick in activity, mostly in the United States.”

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Economic Crisis, Economic outlook, Emerging Markets, Employment, Europe, Finance, Financial Crisis, Financial regulation, Financial sector supervision, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus, G-20, growth, IMF, Inequality, International Monetary Fund, Low-income countries, Multilateral Cooperation, Public debt, recession | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Driving the Global Economy with the Brakes On

Posted on January 24, 2012 by iMFdirect

The world recovery, which was weak in the first place, is in danger of stalling. The epicenter of the danger is Europe, but the rest of the world is increasingly affected.

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Africa, Asia, Economic Crisis, Economic outlook, Economic research, Emerging Markets, Employment, Europe, Financial Crisis, Financial regulation, Financial sector supervision, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus, G-20, Global Governance, growth, IMF, Inequality, International Monetary Fund, Latin America, Low-income countries, Middle East, Public debt, recession | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

2011 In Review: Four Hard Truths

Posted on December 21, 2011 by iMFdirect

As 2011 draws to a close, the recovery in many advanced economies is at a standstill, with some investors even exploring the implications of a potential breakup of the euro zone, and the real possibility that conditions may be worse than we saw in 2008. Olivier Blanchard, the IMF’s Chief Economist, draws four main lessons in his year in review.

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Economic Crisis, Economic outlook, Economic research, Emerging Markets, Employment, Europe, Financial Crisis, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus, G-20, growth, International Monetary Fund, Multilateral Cooperation, Public debt, recession | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 56 Comments »

What the Arab Spring Has Taught Us

Posted on October 19, 2011 by iMFdirect

A clear lesson is that even rapid economic growth cannot be maintained unless it is inclusive, creates jobs for the growing labor force, and is accompanied by social policies for the most vulnerable. F from the Arab Spring is that economic reforms to be sustainable, their gains must be broadly shared, not just captured by a privileged few. Widespread corruption is not just an unacceptable affront to the dignity of citizens, it also deprives them of the economic benefits. And the absence of transparent and fair rules of the game will inevitably undermine inclusive growth.

Filed under: Economic Crisis, Emerging Markets, Employment, Financial Crisis, Fiscal Stimulus, growth, Inequality, Middle East, Public debt, عربي | Tagged: , , , , , , | 6 Comments »

Union Jack: Be Nimble, Be Quick

Posted on August 1, 2011 by iMFdirect

The most likely scenario for the U.K. economy is that it will gradually recover, although it will face continued headwinds from a soft housing market, household and financial sector deleveraging, and ongoing consolidation of the budget.

Filed under: Advanced Economies, Europe, Fiscal policy, Fiscal Stimulus | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Latin America’s Twin Challenges—Increasing Rate of Growth and Managing Volatility

Posted on March 27, 2011 by iMFdirect

Three ways Latin America can reduce its vulnerability to economic fluctuations and sudden stops.

Filed under: Economic Crisis, Economic outlook, Employment, Español, Fiscal Stimulus, Globalization, growth, Latin America | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Toughing It Out: How the Baltics Defied Predictions

Posted on January 7, 2011 by iMFdirect

The three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—were among the first victims of the global financial crisis. Although adjustment is still far from complete, a recovery is now underway. It is still too early to judge the success of the Baltic strategy, but it’s fair to say that the most dire predictions have not come true.

Filed under: Economic Crisis, Emerging Markets, Employment, Europe, Fiscal Stimulus | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments »

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