This paper reconsiders the effects of fiscal policy on long-term interest rates employing a Factor Augmented Panel (FAP) to control for the presence of common unobservable factors. We construct a real-time dataset of macroeconomic and fiscal variables for a panel of OECD countries for the period...

The recent sharp increase in fiscal deficits and government debt in many countries raises questions regarding their impact on long-term sovereign bond yields. While economic theory suggests that this impact is likely to be adverse, empirical results have been less clear cut, have generally...

The paper explores the extent to which the pressure of debt service on other spending items may push governments to embark on fiscal consolidation beyond what is strictly necessary to secure solvency. The empirical analysis identifies thresholds of interest bill indicators beyond which...

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...

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 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...

Robust GDP growth, declining unemployment, low and stable inflation, and a string of fiscal and current account surpluses -- it's a record to be envied. These outcomes in Canada owe much to sound macroeconomic policies, as well as to a favorable external environment. This book focuses on these...

Oil-producing countries have benefited from rising oil prices in recent years. The increase in oil exports and oil revenues has had major implications for these countries. These developments have revealed how governments manage their fiscal policies in light of changing oil-market conditions and...