This Selected Issues paper analyzes the fiscal strength of the economy of the Czech Republic. Fiscal policy in the Czech Republic has shown a procyclical bias temporarily interrupted during the crisis years. The large stimulus implemented has been more than compensated by a frontloaded...

Economic growth variability is low in Jamaica, with deviations driven more by weather than by external conditions. External developments do, however, have large financial implications for Jamaica. Developments in Jamaica can, in turn, have a significant influence in the wider Caribbean. A recent...

This Selected Issues paper analyzes the properties of the fiscal surplus rule, a key pillar of Chile’s macroeconomic framework. The findings suggest that the rule is near the volatility-minimizing efficiency frontier. The paper assesses the vulnerability of the Chilean banking system to...

The abstract summarizes the Report on Observance of Standards and Codes and Fiscal Transparency Module of Indonesia. It highlights that a strategy for improving transparency and strengthening fiscal management should be included in the reform program, including implementing recent changes in...

This Selected Issues paper examines implications for long-term bond yields in case of Japan. The analysis finds that so far, upward pressure on interest rates from high public debt has been offset by domestic factors, including a stable investor base with a preference for safe assets. As these...

This Selected Issues paper on the Republic of Korea reviews near-term economic prospects and risks. Korea experiences solid growth with low inflation, and vulnerabilities to potential shocks appear low. With Korea aging at an almost unprecedented rate, spending on pensions, health, and long-term...

This report discusses Malaysia’s economic accomplishment and other economic reforms. Malaysia has attained a strong growth in 2012, and a robust growth is expected in the next term. The financial position of Malaysia is sound and supported by a strong regulatory framework with high bank...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that monetary policy of Kenya has been expansionary since 2003/04 to promote economic growth. This has, however, contributed to the recent rise in inflation. Executive Directors have observed the progress that has been made under the Poverty Reduction...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that strong macroeconomic conditions and sound domestic policies have significantly improved Israel’s growth performance and prospects, notwithstanding political uncertainties and the hostilities in the north during the summer of 2006....

Fiscal impulse measures are used in the WEO and elsewhere to indicate the changing impact of the budget on the economy. Such measures are intended to provide more accurate indications of whether the budget is becoming more or less expansionary than would just observing moments in the actual...