A sustainable long-run pattern in the relative competitiveness of euro area countries is a key factor for the survivorship of the monetary union. We analyze the issue focussing on unit labor cost dynamics using cointegration analysis for the whole economy and for the manufacturing sector...

To reinforce the long-term sustainability of public finances, the South African National Treasury has proposed a set of fiscal guidelines informed by three principles, namely: a counter-cyclical fiscal stance, long-term debt sustainability and inter-generational equity. Owing to the sound...

This paper covers fiscal policy tools that promote sustainability and their influence on monetary policy in Russia, the Bank of Russia's role in public debt management and main features of the domestic currency public debt market. At present Russia's budgetary circumstances are quite favourable,...

This paper focuses on the interactions between public debt policy and foreign exchange reserve management. We found that, although foreign currency debt issuance can contribute significantly to the growth of foreign exchange reserves, it can cause serious difficulties in the assessment of...

The global financial and debt crisis highlights the need for a better understanding of how fiscal and monetary policies interact. This article examines three aspects of these interactions, as seen from the perspective of the Czech National Bank. It first looks at the effects of fiscal policy on...

This note characterises the evolution of Chile's public debt, and discusses its implications for the management of the country's monetary policy. Historically, the main issuer of public debt in Chile was the central bank. The government, in turn, has recently started to engage in a more active...

Comparing the two significant recessions Israel experienced over the last decade, we highlight the importance of sustained fiscal discipline and credible monetary policy during normal times for expanding the set of policy options available at a time of need. In the first recession Israel was...

Over the past decade, prudent fiscal management has served Thailand well in cushioning the impact of the global financial turbulence. However, going forward, fiscal risks which include a weakened global economic outlook, unbalanced fiscal structure and growing contingent liabilities may have...