This Selected Issues paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the fiscal framework of Sweden, and discusses some guidelines for their modification. It describes the Swedish experience under the new fiscal framework, and documents the increasing expenditure profile during the economic boom....

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that in 2001, the South African economy felt the impact of a slowdown in global economic activity, which interrupted the modest upturn that started late in 1998. Driven mainly by a contraction in overseas demand that lowered export prices and volumes,...

This 2003 Article IV Consultation highlights that Morocco’s growth performance over the last decade has not been strong enough to reduce poverty. Growth has also been volatile because of the impact of recurrent drought conditions on agricultural output. Economic conditions improved in 2002...

This Selected Issues paper examines financial linkages and the correlation between Australian and U.S. output. It shows that the financial linkages have played an important role in conveying shocks from the United States to the Australian economy, and that these have become increasingly...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that Bangladesh’s external position strengthened considerably in FY2009 and the first four months of FY2010. Strong remittances, resilient exports, and weak imports caused the current account of the balance of payments to record a surplus of almost...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of Barbados has been growing at a solid pace, and the outlook for 2007 is generally favorable. Robust output growth of about 4 percent is expected to continue in 2007, supported by tourism and construction. Inflation, which was pushed...

Economic growth is strengthening, stimulated by the high terms of trade. Monetary policy has been tightened appropriately. A flexible monetary policy response to potential external shocks, including commodity price swings, will help to cushion growth while preserving low inflation. To promote...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that Finland’s economic performance in recent years continued to be favorable. Growth has outpaced that in the euro area and is expected to pick up to more than 3 percent in 2006. The external current account has remained comfortably in surplus, and...