This paper evaluates the performance of two alternative policy rules, a forward-looking rule and a spontaneous adjustment rule, under alternative inflation targets, in terms of output losses in a macroeconomic model, using European Union data. The simulations suggest that forward-looking rules...

This paper reviews the interest rate structure that would apply to the PRGT in 2017-18. Based on the interest rate setting mechanism agreed in 2009, the interest rate for the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) would be zero and the rate for the Standby Credit Facility (SCF) would be 0.25 percent....

In recent months, a number of Directors have expressed support in the Executive Board for a further extension of the temporary exceptional interest waiver on concessional lending. An extension would send a signal of the Fund's continued support for Low-Income Countries at a time when the global...

This is the first review of the interest rate mechanism approved under the 2009 reforms of the Fund's concessional lending facilities. The mechanism links the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) interest rate structure to world interest rates and provides a setting to differentiate...

This paper provides the basis for the second review of the interest rate structure approved under the 2009 reforms of the Fund's concessional lending facilities. Based on the application of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) interest rate mechanism, PRGT interest rates for 2015-16...

The effects of government expenditures on interest rates, terms of trade, and real exchange rates are examined in a three-good (importables, exportables, nontradables), two-country, intertemporal, optimizing model. Temporary spending increases (on tradable or nontradable goods) may raise or...

Upon entry into the European Union, countries become members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), with a derogation from adopting the euro as their currency (that is, each country joining the EU commits to replace its national currency with the euro, but can choose when to request...

The Slovak Republic’s 2005 Article IV Consultation reports that sound macroeconomic management and a wide range of fundamental structural reforms are supporting nominal convergence with European Union norms. Real GDP growth accelerated to 6 percent in 2005, driven by an improvement in the...

A strong policy framework and improved income distribution and social outcomes have been important accomplishments in Brazil. The 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that financial stability in Brazil has been underpinned by a strong banking system and framework for regulation and...

The staff report for the 2008 Article IV Consultation of Romania reviews the issues to tighten fiscal policy, putting less of the stabilization burden on the fledgling inflation-targeting framework. GDP growth has remained strong, underpinned by massive capital inflows. Executive Directors...