We study the curious patterns of gold holding and trading by central banks during 1979-2010. With the exception of several discrete step adjustments, central banks keep maintaining passive stocks of gold, independently of the patterns of the real price of gold. We also observe the...

This paper presents statistical analysis supporting stylized facts about sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). It discusses the forces leading to the growth of SWFs, including the role of fuel exports and ongoing current account surpluses, and large hoarding of international reserves. It analyzes the...

This paper presents statistical analysis supporting stylized facts about sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). It discusses the forces leading to the growth of SWFs, including the role of fuel exports and ongoing current account surpluses, and large hoarding of international reserves. It analyzes the...

The German economy is picking up speed again. After the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic had interrupted the economic recovery in the winter half-year, GDP will expand at a fast pace in the further course of the year and exceed its pre-crisis level again. With the removal of the...

Despite a temporary pick-up in world production at the start of the year, growth will continue to moderate amid a further deterioration in economic sentiment and elevated levels of uncertainty. We expect the global economy to expand at a rate of 3.2 percent this year, reflecting a downward...

The world economy has lost steam in the second half of the previous year and is likely to continue to expand at a subdued pace in 2019. Uncertainty regarding the trade conflicts with the US, the future relationship between the EU and the UK, and the extent of the slowdown of the Chinese economy...

The global economy is losing steam. After a weak start in the beginning of this year, world production accelerated again in the second quarter of 2018. However, the recent expansion probably overstates its underlying momentum. At the same time, the expansion is becoming less even as compared to...