The GCC countries maintain a policy of open capital accounts and a pegged (or nearly-pegged) exchange rate, thereby reducing their freedom to run an independent monetary policy. This paper shows, however, that the pass-through of policy rates to retail rates is on the low side, reflecting the...

This paper presents key findings of the Third Review under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) in Rwanda. Program performance was broadly satisfactory. All end-June quantitative assessment criteria were met. Structural benchmarks were partially met as the pace of implementation of structural...

This paper discusses key findings of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) covering the transparency of monetary policy in the Republic of Indonesia. There is a reasonably high degree of transparency in Indonesia’s monetary policy, with much progress having been made over the...

This Selected Issues paper assesses the desired level of foreign exchange reserves in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, given its commitment to maintain the exchange rate peg. A variety of methods including popular rules of thumb, comparisons with other emerging countries, and...

In 2005, the overall macroeconomic performance was broadly satisfactory, notwithstanding an increase in inflation. All performance criteria were met. Structural reforms advanced, and delays in preparing feasibility studies for restructuring the airport and seaport authorities are being...

The authorities’ program for 2003–05, supported by the previous Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), successfully stabilized the economy despite difficult conditions. A new economic program for 2006–08 is needed to consolidate macroeconomic stability, address remaining...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) for the United Republic of Tanzania. By October 2008, inflation had risen to 11.8 percent mainly reflecting the surge in global food and fuel prices, but is expected to begin to recede. Poverty...

Uruguay has experienced a remarkable recovery since the 2002 crisis, supported by sound policies and favorable external conditions. With the framework put in place in 2002, Uruguay abandoned an exchange rate peg in favor of a free float, adoped a monetary regime initially based on money targets,...

This paper explores the relationship between the constitutional entrenchment of central bank independence and inflation performance. Empirical studies for developing countries have not found a relationship between central bank independence, proxied by the "de jure" independence established in...

The most salient trend in monetary policy over the past two decades has been increasing reliance on money market operations, which reflects the belief that allowing market forces to allocate financial resources brings about increased economic efficiency and growth. However, small economies and...