Using firm-level data covering 709 cities in 128 countries, this paper examines the role of a comprehensive list of business environment variables at the subnational level in explaining firm employment and productivity growth. The analysis finds basic protection, access to finance and...

During the crises of the 1990s, emerging economies usually lacked the policy tools to deal with external shocks that were available to advanced economies. Worldwide turbulent episodes found most emerging economies unable to perform countercyclical policies and, in many cases, their own...

Die Notenbanken haben weltweit mit einer Ausweitung ihrer Bilanzen auf das Scheitern der Kreditwirtschaft in der Finanz- und Schuldenkrise reagiert. Allerdings bleibt offen, wie sie in ein tragbares Regime der traditionellen Geld- und Kreditabsicherungsbeziehungen zurückgelangen können. Das...

Changing population age structures are shaping the trajectories of development in many countries, bringing opportunities and challenges. While aging has been a matter of concern for upper-middle and high-income economies, rapid population growth is set to continue in the poorest countries over...