This paper reviews the Enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative for Liberia. Performance under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)-supported program is solid. The third ECF review was completed on a lapse of time basis on December 18, 2009. All but one of the...

The success of Nigeria’s reforms brings new policy challenges for preserving and building on the reform gains. The immediate challenge is to enshrine a fiscal institution that ensures that fiscal policy is consistent with macroeconomic stability. Nigeria’s integration into the global economy...

The methodologies used in this paper suggest that Israel’s real exchange rate is moderately undervalued, while gains in external competitiveness appear to have been eroded in recent years. Market-based indicators provide a useful additional dimension to the analysis of financial stability in...

The Israeli economy is performing exceptionally well, but still high public indebtedness calls for the continuation of strong economic policies. Monetary policy has successfully stabilized inflation expectations, but policy and communication challenges remain. The recent positive fiscal...

The Canadian Depository for Securities (CDS) is the operator of the securities settlement system. The design and operations of the CDS are covered by a solid legal basis. The regulatory framework is clear and transparent to market participants. The risk management procedures of the CDS as a...

The Canadian financial sector is among the world’s most highly developed. The five large banking groups that form the core of the system are conservatively managed and highly profitable. The stress tests suggest that the large Canadian banks can withstand a broad range of shocks. The current...

Sound macroeconomic policies, good governance, and high levels of investment, supported by diamond and other mineral production, have moved Botswana into the ranks of middle-income countries. Maintaining fiscal surpluses over the medium term is essential to accumulate savings for the period when...

High capital inflows and rising vulnerabilities underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensuring stability. Standard balance sheet indicators mask a substantial build-up of exposures to exchange rate, maturity, and rollover risks. Household balance sheet risks originate from...

This paper examines the inflation expectations, monetary policy credibility, and dollarization. Country fundamentals have explained variation in sovereign spreads, but external factors play an important role. This paper assesses the role of and prospects for bank-lending from a cyclical and...

Sound policies and favorable external conditions have led to a strong economic recovery, but important challenges lie ahead. Uruguay’s near-term economic prospects are generally favorable. The main short-term challenge is rising inflation in the wake of vigorous growth and capital inflows. The...