The policy brief analyzes the relative performance of the Czech and Slovak economies between the official confirmation of Slovakia's euro-area entry in mid-2008 and end- 2010. The analysis suggests that both economies continued to evolve in a highly similar manner. Czech real exports, as well as...

This policy brief analyzes whether the exposure to the CEE10 region is a risk for parent banks. Simultaneously, risks for the CEE10 countries implied by the strong presence of foreign-owned banks as well as possible feedback loops are discussed. Ongoing financial market turbulences within the...

There is a widespread perception that imbalances within the euro area are not adjusting, the major difficulty being that the competitive disinflation processes required in deficit countries are painful, while no strong incentives are always available in surplus countries to reduce their excess...

China's economy slowed significantly in the first three quarters of 2012 and questions have been raised on a possible hard landing. While recent early indicators have shown signs of improvement in the most recent months, it is essential to understand what is driving this slowdown and how lasting...

Amidst current fears of recession and economic stagnation, this note presents an optimistic view of the euro area's prospects over the medium-term. We claim that the EA has a more than fair chance to leave the crisis behind in a much stronger overall position than before, not least vis-à-vis...