A review of the experience of five developing countries in reforming their financial systems illustrates the benefits and risks, and provides lessons on the factors which contribute to successful financial sector reforms. Financial sector reforms need to be supported by active monetary policy,...

This paper focuses on euro area policies. The monetary policy stance remains appropriate for now. Fiscal policies are falling well short of consolidation requirements, and the area remains insufficiently prepared for the looming demographic shock. Past fiscal policy failures, notably...

This report presents a description of the stress test exercises for Spain’s banking and insurance systems. The exercises were carried out in the context of the Financial Sector Assessment Program with the aim of assessing the resilience of the financial system to key risks. It describes...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that Israel’s economic recovery is under way after a prolonged recession. Growth is being supported by more favorable global economic conditions, an improvement in the security situation, and appropriate policies, which have included tightening...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that Peru’s economy continues to be a leader in high growth and low inflation in the region, which has been achieved through a prudent macroeconomic policy implementation, a far-reaching structural reform agenda and taking advantage of the...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that spillovers from the global slowdown and lingering turbulence in international financial markets have been propagated to Singapore mostly through the trade channel. Inflation has risen significantly on the back of international and home-grown cost...

The Korean economy is slowing in the face of strong global headwinds. It is projected to bottom out during the course of 2012, regaining momentum towards the end of the year, in line with the global recovery. The main short-term risk to the outlook is a further intensification of the euro area...

New Zealand has experienced a decade-long robust economic expansion, owing to its sound macroeconomic policies and structural reforms, but resource constraints have emerged. Executive Directors welcomed the policy settings, supported by the anticipated evolution of external and global...

In this study, economic developments of India are discussed. Growth is among the fastest-growing in the world, social indicators are improving, and medium-term economic prospects are favorable. The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) efforts are used to tighten monetary conditions. The measures...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that in 2012, Thailand’s economy rebounded strongly from the devastating floods, with real GDP growing by 6.5 percent. Private consumption rose 6.7 percent, reflecting pent-up demand and government measures, including the rice pledging scheme,...