ILO pub-WEP pub. Economic theory working paper on monetary policy to deal with double purchasing power economic disparity between countries with weak local currency and those with strong currencies - argues that price structures are related to fundamental economic conditions as determined by...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that Morocco has made important strides in maintaining macroeconomic stability in a difficult environment, but challenges remain to reduce fiscal and external vulnerabilities, strengthen growth, create jobs, and tackle poverty. Growth slowed in 2014...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that the United Kingdom’s economic growth was above trend in 2006 and 2007. In terms of expenditure, the expansion was largely driven by private consumption, on the heels of strong employment, steady real wage and living standards growth, and a...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that Suriname’s macroeconomic performance has strengthened markedly over the past decade. Since 2000, stronger policies and buoyant commodity prices, supported by political stability, have helped improve macroeconomic performance, enabling...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Bolivia’s overall fiscal position has improved in 2008. Booming hydrocarbon and mining exports, together with high remittance inflows, led to a record-high current account surplus and large reserve accumulation, with major pressures on...

The 2010 staff report for the Third and Final Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) reviews the economic performance of Costa Rica. The structural benchmarks related to the deposit insurance and bank resolution framework were delayed owing to a longer-than-expected consultation process....

This Paper discusses Pakistan’s Third Review Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion (PC).The economy is showing signs of improvement. The FY2013/14 growth projection has been revised upward from 3.1 percent to 3.3 percent, as...

Elections: The candidate of the ruling coalition Frente Amplio, former president Tabaré Vazquez, won the presidency and will take office in March 2015. With Frente Amplio retaining majority in both houses of Parliament, broad continuity in macroeconomic policy making is expected. Focus: Amid...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Sweden’s economy has performed well, but is sensitive to global demand. The activity is now moderating. Exports have benefited from sound competitiveness, but euro area and U.S. slowing is causing them to decelerate. Private consumption...

KEY ISSUES Context: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Weak economic growth has contributed to persistent and increasing poverty with deteriorating social indicators. In a fragile environment, the uncertainty linked to political instability, weak institutions, and weak...