Fiscal problems have long been considered a central feature of financial--that is, currency, debt, and banking--crises. This paper addresses four questions: What are the fiscal causes of crises? Which fiscal vulnerability indicators help to predict crises? Can fiscal variables explain the...

This paper seeks to draw lessons from the IMF’s experience in handling financial crises around the globe over the past ten years that are relevant to the challenges faced by countries in Latin America, especially in the wake of the recent crisis in Argentina. Experience suggests that...

The Salvadoran economy was severely affected by the global economic slowdown. Further strengthening the economy’s growth prospects and reducing poverty will depend on a durable fiscal consolidation effort and improvements in the investment climate through continued commitment to...

Cape Verde has demonstrated notable economic and policy resilience. The public investment program should be completed, but new external borrowing should be limited to restore fiscal buffers. The monetary policy framework could be improved in the medium term. The Bank of Cape Verde should step up...

This paper analyzes the impact of the global crisis on six South-Eastern European countries. The main objective is to compare macro-financial conditions and policies in the run-up to the crisis as well as to compare the policy responses to it, so as to highlight, inter alia, possible...

This paper discusses key findings of the Seventh Review Under the Policy Support Instrument for Cape Verde. All assessment criteria were met with a margin, and all but three structural benchmarks were met. Growth is holding up at 4 percent in 2009, and inflation is low. The authorities have...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Djibouti’s macroeconomic performance improved significantly, but inflation pressures are intensifying. Real GDP growth accelerated to 5.3 percent in 2007, driven mainly by foreign direct investment concentrated in the construction and port...

This paper discusses Nicaragua’s 2005 Article IV Consultation and Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Reviews Under the Three Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). The economy continued to perform well, notwithstanding pressure from higher oil prices. Strong...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Armenia’s recent economic performance has remained strong, and the economy is poised for another year of double-digit growth. Rising inflation, a widening current account deficit, and rapid credit growth have raised concerns about...