This paper provides the most comprehensive empirical study of the effectiveness of macroprudential instruments to date. Using data from 49 countries, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of macroprudential instruments in reducing systemic risk over time and across institutions and markets. The...

This paper reviews economic developments in Venezuela during 1995–97. The overall public sector balance shifted from a deficit of 7 percent of GDP in 1995 to a surplus of 71⁄4 percent of GDP in 1996. This massive swing was owing to a major increase in the underlying oil surplus, a decline in...

This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Annex identifies the sources of bank problems in Bolivia. It describes the measures to strengthen the system since 1985, and assesses the early results of bank restructuring in 1994–96. The paper highlights that prior to 1985, financial intermediation...

This paper reviews economic developments in the United Kingdom during 1991–95. Following a brisk expansion in 1994, when the economy achieved a rare combination of above-trend output growth and historically low inflation, the pace of economic activity in the United Kingdom has moderated in the...

This paper reviews economic developments in Kazakhstan during 1994–96. In early 1994, Kazakhstan embarked on an ambitious stabilization program aimed at reducing inflation sharply and implementing structural reforms. This program was based on tight financial policies and a package of...

Economic growth has recovered, but higher food and fuel prices have sparked a sharp rise in inflation. Monetary policy has been tightened to contain core inflation and effects of the food and fuel price shocks. The government has allowed for scaling up of infrastructure investment spending. The...

This study estimated Indonesia’s potential growth rate and examined its underlying determinants. Implementing a comprehensive program to address key influencing issues can improve the effectiveness of monetary policy, increase financial stability, and support capital market development. This...

The Indonesian economy proved resilient during the global financial crisis, and has since continued to grow at a robust rate. Increases in both foreign and domestic investment are expected to offset lower growth contributions from net exports as import demand rises. A key risk is deterioration...

Serbia’s transition to a more sustainable growth model remains incomplete and fragile. A precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) has been requested to insure against external risks and to provide a policy anchor. The program represents a prudent step in the present uncertain global and...

Benin’s program furthers the objectives elaborated in the previous report. It is the result of a broad participative process that engaged all levels of government, the private sector, civil society, and donor partners. Executive Directors commend the program as it provides an adequate...