This paper investigates the value of political institutions for financial markets, using panel data from emerging market countries. We test the hypothesis that changes in political institutions, such as improvements in democratic rights and increased government accountability, have a direct...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that in a context of weakening economic conditions in Europe and sizeable fiscal consolidation and domestic policy uncertainty, the French economy flat lined in 2012. However, recent improvements in economic indicators support the expectation of a...

The 2007 Article IV Consultation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands explains fiscal policy and financial sector issues. Improvements in the macroeconomic and business environments and technological innovation have contributed positively to Dutch competitiveness. Executive Directors emphasized...

Togo has made significant progress in advancing economic and political reforms under the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). Important fiscal governance reforms have boosted tax revenues and helped expenditure control. The I-PRSP is designed to preserve macroeconomic stability while reviving economic...

Since its independence in 2006, Montenegro has experienced an economic and financial roller coaster ride. The baseline is predicated on continued improvements in cost competitiveness and productivity-raising foreign direct investment (FDI). Avoiding a relapse into recession will thus require...

Strong macroeconomic foundations have so far largely shielded the Netherlands from recent financial turbulence. Despite a tightening labor market, inflation remains subdued. Employment has grown 1¼–1½ percent in 2007, on par with the rest of the Euro area. The external current...

The staff report highlights that the economy of Kiribati showed resilience from the global crisis owing to infrastructure projects financed by foreign assistance. Executive Directors stressed the importance of preserving real per capita value of the Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund to ensure...

Senegal’s staff report for the 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights the rapidly rising energy and food prices, and the high inflation in 2007 that put pressure on the fiscal and external accounts. Senegal’s macroeconomic policies were being pursued under an economic program...

Benin, a member of the CFA franc zone, has experienced uneven economic progress over the last several decades. It has a long history of engagement with the IMF. This ex post assessment update covers primarily the implementation of the program supported by the 2005–09 poverty reduction...

The report assesses the Ex Post Assessment of Longer-Term Program Engagement. It reviews the success of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program in achieving rapid growth, low inflation, and a comfortable external position. It highlights that the design of the programs has been...