The methodology used in this paper has three distinguishing features: the natural rate of unemployment and potential output are jointly estimated; estimation integrates wage and price data with “real” and structural data; and third, the methodology encompasses many of the methods found in the...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the cyclical recovery of the French economy was interrupted in the first half of 2005, as previously strong domestic demand faltered and the external sector continued to exert a drag on growth. In 2004, growth was faster and more...

This report provides an assessment of fiscal transparency practices in Greece in relation to the requirements of the IMF Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency. The assessment reveals that Greece has made progress, in recent years, in meeting the requirements of the fiscal transparency...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that real GDP growth in Nigeria accelerated in 2003 on account of sharply higher oil and gas production and continued robust growth in the non-oil economy. Owing to favorable terms-of-trade developments, the external current account deficit narrowed...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Swiss economy has returned to growth with supportive external demand and domestic policies. However, the recovery has been fragile, and business indicators suggest that activity is currently experiencing a soft patch. The IMF staff projects...

This paper presents an update to the Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC)—Fiscal Transparency Module for Greece. As noted in previous updates of the fiscal ROSC, much progress has been made in Greece since joining the European Union in separating government from...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that the macroeconomic performance of United Arab Emirates is estimated to have been strong in 2003, reflecting favorable developments in the oil market, higher oil production, and prices. Non Hydrocarbon real GDP growth is estimated to have remained...

The Selected Issues paper analyzes tax policy trends at the local level in Sweden and assesses the effectiveness of the vertical fiscal policy coordination system. The study reviews Sweden’s local public finances from an international perspective and empirically explores various...

Military coups that occurred in Guinea-Bissau and Mali caused economic disruption in the WAEMU countries. Regional policies have been in line with the recommendations, and growth is expected to remain robust, risks are on the downside, and the macroeconomic policy is appropriate. Preserving debt...

This 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that the pace of economic activity in Jordan remains subdued. Following a period of robust growth during 2000–09 supported by a favorable external environment, economic activity slowed sharply. Jordan is also facing risks from a further...