The key findings of Colombia’s 2010 Article IV Consultation on economic developments and policies are presented. The Colombian economy had begun to slow down in early 2008, as policies had been tightened to address overheating, but the global crisis caused private investment to collapse in the...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Dominican Republic's economy has been adversely affected by the global crisis. Output has been below potential as real GDP growth is decelerating rapidly from more than 5 percent in 2008 to an estimated 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent in 2009....

The World Economic Outlook, published twice a year in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, presents IMF staff economists' analyses of global economic developments during the near and medium term. Chapters give an overview of the world economy; consider issues affecting industrial countries,...

The key findings of the Republic of Palau’s 2010 Article IV Consultation shows that the single most important issue in Palau remains fiscal policy, including its effect on medium-term growth, as fiscal consolidation proceeds. The global financial crisis followed on the heels of a massive...

Fiscal policy has been strongly expansionary for most of the past decade in Japan. The resulting strain on public finances has made stimulus policies more difficult to maintain. The stance of monetary policy has remained unchanged over the past year. Further progress in resolving banking...

Central America has made substantial progress in recent years in moving economic reforms forward and deepening regional and global integration. As result of these efforts, the region has experienced higher growth, increased capital inflows, and some reductions in poverty rates. But Central...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that macroeconomic outcomes for Antigua and Barbuda have strengthened significantly in recent years. Real GDP growth averaged 5 percent during 2003–05, and is estimated to have reached 12 percent in 2006. There has been progress in implementing...

The Netherlands showed strong growth and employment performance owing to its fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. Executive Directors commended the sound macroeconomic and structural policies, which have raised potential output, kept inflation low, and promoted strong employment growth....

Portugal showed impressive economic performance owing to its macroeconomic policies and structural reforms. Executive Directors commended the authorities for their stability-oriented policies, low inflation, and declining fiscal deficits. Nonetheless, economic policies needed to address signs of...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic growth in El Salvador in recent years has been dampened by adverse external conditions, major earthquakes, and election-related uncertainties. Real GDP growth is estimated at about 11⁄2 percent in 2004 while inflation picked up to more...