Financial instability has increased for many economies in the face of greater capital mobility. Eliminating capital flows, especially portfolio investment flows, may reduce volatility, but it could also result in domestic capital constraints. To overcome this dilemma, policymakers may consider...

The concept of financial balances implies that the general government balance can be improved only if the enterprise sector and the foreign sector simultaneously increase their financial deficits and the household sector cuts its surplus. This paper explores how these adjustments can be...

Das Konzept der Finanzierungssalden impliziert, dass das Finanzierungsdefizit des Staates nur verringert werden kann, wenn sich gleichzeitig der Unternehmenssektor und das Ausland stärker verschulden oder die privaten Haushalte ihren Überschuss verringern. Dieses Working Paper untersucht, wie...

The aim of this paper is to revise the status of the regional financing issue as well as address the free debate on the role of fiscal balances as a tool for setting the criteria of territorial solidarity within Spain. The first part examines the past, present and future of the regional...

A very ambitious fiscal adjustment effort is under way. Fiscal institutional and sectoral reforms have been elaborated for a more durable adjustment. Greece’s determination toward a comprehensive modernization of the health sector, beginning with a far-reaching reform of state enterprises...

The key findings of the Czech Republic’s 2010 Article IV Consultation are discussed. Large foreign direct investment inflows fostered trade integration, underpinning an export-led expansion. Higher initial standard of living contained consumption convergence pressures. An improved fiscal...

St. Lucia showed strong growth performance owing to its strong investment in tourism infrastructure. Executive Directors commended the prudent public debt management and sound banking system. They underscored the need for fiscal consolidation and steps to promote domestic investment and labor...