More developed financial systems are associated with higher investment and better economic performance. This paper discusses possible factors that may inhibit a deepening of bank intermediation and more efficient banking in Brazil, two aspects that are found to be significantly different than in...

In times of distress when a country loses access to markets, there is evidence that credit default swap (CDS) spreads are a leading indicator for sovereign risk than the EMBI+ sub-index for the country. However, it is not easy to discern the variables that determine the level of CDS spreads in...

This report provides an assessment of fiscal transparency practices in Brazil. The authorities have completed the fiscal transparency questionnaire prepared by the IMF staff. The assessment has two parts that are discussed in this study. In the first part, descriptions of practice, prepared by...

Front Cover -- Governmental Financial Resilience: International Perspectives on How Local Governments Face Austerity -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- List of Contributo rs -- Chapter 1 Introduction: Governments and Crises -- Studying crises and austerity in the public sector -- An alternative...

This paper presents the report on Brazil’s Observance of Standards and Codes on the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. Brazilian authorities report that the major sources of illegal proceeds are crimes against the...

Inflation persistence is sometimes defined as the tendency for price shocks to push the inflation rate away from its steady state—including an inflation target—for a prolonged period. Persistence is important because it affects the output costs of lowering inflation back to the target, often...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country