The introduction of inflation targeting in 2006, together with important economic developments such as dedollarization, marked the beginning of a new macroeconomic framework in Armenia, which is likely to have changed the effectiveness of monetary policy. This paper is the first attempt to...

The impact of the global crisis was milder in Australia than in other advanced economies owing to strong demand from Asia and decisive policy responses. Australian banks were resilient to the global crisis, and the labor market was flexible in the face of the shock. The exit from fiscal stimulus...

China’s economy has been moderate in 2012, with a GDP growth of about 8 percent. Macroeconomic policies helped to maintain sustainable growth and continued to be adjusted in line with evolving conditions. The 2012 fiscal stance balanced the past stimulus with the growing economy. The...

Portugal's program implementation is on track despite difficult economic conditions and significant legal challenges. The markedly weaker economic outlook provides a strong case for recalibrating the program’s fiscal targets. This strong adjustment effort needs to be consolidated by...

The New Zealand economy continues to grow at a modest pace. The 2012 Article IV Consultation reports that domestic demand has remained soft as households and businesses continue to deleverage amid a weak housing market and an uncertain outlook. Executive Directors endorse that output growth...

Morocco’s track record of sound economic policies helped it withstand the recent economic crisis and regional social events. High oil prices have contributed to a build-up of fiscal and external pressures, but the government has taken action to address these vulnerabilities and are...

The staff report for the 2013 Article IV Consultation for the Republic of Mozambique focuses on the development agenda and appropriate policy priorities to successfully transition to a resource-rich era. These priorities include skillful medium-term management of the impact of developing coal...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review of Romania’s economic performance under a program supported by a 24-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The authorities are on track to achieve their 2011–12 deficit targets, but stepped-up efforts are needed on key structural...

Portugal's economy faced severe crisis during the global economic and financial crisis. In this context, Portugal's authorities have put forward an economically well-balanced program that will focus on structural reforms to boost growth and employment, ensure balanced fiscal sustainability,...

The paper is an account of Finland’s unexpected upcoming deceleration in the economy at the end of 2011 and later. The deleveraging of the financial sector and the debt crisis made the nation fear an inevitable recession. To sustain this vulnerable situation, due attention was given to...