Economic growth finally turned positive, but further recovery will be delayed, as fiscal austerity measures and recent floods will weigh on domestic demand. The macroeconomic outlook has weakened and continues to be subject to exceptional uncertainties. With the enactment of the ambitious...

Ireland has made progress in overcoming the economic crisis. The new coalition government’s strategy for restoring sustained growth, sound public finances, and job creation has been put forward in the context of the European Union/IMF-supported program. On this basis, the government...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic output in Aruba remains 12 percent below its pre-crisis level, with recovery slower than others in the Caribbean region. The non-oil current account (CA) balance, which mostly reflects developments in the tourism sector, has improved...

The economic and financial pressures facing Ireland are intense. The banking sector is at the fulcrum of Ireland’s problems. The program, therefore, aims to restore the banking system. It will address structural problems and restore confidence. A leaner and more robust banking sector is...

We study how macroeconomic shocks affect U.S. public debt dynamics using a VAR with debt feedback. Following a fiscal austerity shock, the debt ratio initially declines and then returns to its pre-shock path. Yet, the effect is not statistically significant. In a weak economic environment, the...

Armenia’s growth has picked up in 2011, led by manufacturing, mining, and services, while agriculture has rebounded from the collapse. Credit continues to grow rapidly, particularly in foreign currency and based on strong inflows to banks. Inflation has come down sharply, reflecting...

The global economic and financial crisis found the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a vulnerable position. The government put together a comprehensive program supported by the International Monetary Fund. The stabilization program has helped mitigate the impact of the global financial crisis...

Growth in Romania is likely to moderate in 2012, weighed down by the euro area slowdown. The Fifth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement highlights that Romania’s overall track record under the program continues to be strong. All performance criteria for the fifth program review were met,...

This paper highlights Pakistan’s 2013 Article IV Consultation and Request for an Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility. Discussions in the IMF report focus on macroeconomic policies to address vulnerabilities and reforms to promote robust inclusive growth. The...