This technical note explains stress testing for Portugal’s financial sector. A core part of the banking stress tests was the bottom-up exercise implemented by individual institutions. The bottom-up stress tests focus only on the impact of expected losses on indicators of profitability and...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that India’s medium-term growth prospects remain bright. Prompt fiscal and monetary easing, combined with the fiscal stimulus already in the pipeline and the return of risk appetite in financial markets, have brought growth close to pre-crisis...

The German economy has made major strides, helped by wide-ranging reforms. Greater transparency and stronger incentives for prudent action will support crisis prevention and management. The immediate priorities are preserving the integrity of the financial system and maintaining economic...

This Selected Issues paper reviews the financial sector development in Georgia in recent years, and investigates why it has lagged behind economic development, as well as developments in more advanced transition economies. The paper briefly reviews recent financial sector development in Georgia,...

This Selected Issues paper examines the factors behind the recent surge in capital flows in Japan. The paper presents econometric evidence on the influence of these capital flows on the medium-term dynamics of the yen. It finds that in the case of the yen–dollar rate, nontrade factors...

China’s economy has been moderate in 2012, with a GDP growth of about 8 percent. Macroeconomic policies helped to maintain sustainable growth and continued to be adjusted in line with evolving conditions. The 2012 fiscal stance balanced the past stimulus with the growing economy. The...

The large capital inflows that generated a domestic demand boom in Bulgaria led to strong employment growth. But a sharp reduction in capital inflows led to a contraction of domestic demand, while the recession in Bulgaria’s trading partners caused a drop in exports. Public policies will...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Republic of Korea is enjoying its longest uninterrupted period of economic expansion since the Asian crisis. Growth reached 5 percent in 2006, buoyed by strong exports, and is only expected to slow marginally to 4¾ percent this year. The...

The staff report on Mexico’s 2008 Article IV Consultation focuses on economic and financial sector implications of the global crisis. Inflation has been anchored in a low range, and public and private balance sheets have been substantially strengthened. Most importantly, public external...

Croatia’s economy is also saddled with more pervasive rigidities and higher government involvement than many of its transition peers. The Croatian National Bank (CNB) pursued proactive policies, which helped ensure financial sector stability. A stable nominal exchange rate provided an...