This paper describes the methodology and the data used to compute nominal and real effective exchange rate indices in the International Monetary Fund’s Information Notice System (INS). In particular, it highlights improvements to the INS implemented over 1994-96, including modifications to the...

This paper discusses key findings of the Sixth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Georgia. Economic performance in recent years has been impressive, with the establishment of macroeconomic stability, a dramatic fiscal turnaround, and remarkable improvements in...

The staff report for the First Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for the Islamic Republic of Mauritania explains the macroeconomic outlook and fiscal policy. Despite a substantial oil revenue shortfall, the fiscal deficit target was...

The concepts of potential output and the output gap are central to the IMF’s analytical work in providing policy recommendations to member governments. This key role has stimulated research at the IMF to develop and refine estimation techniques. This paper summarizes the methodology and...

Key medium– and longer–term fiscal issues faced by transition economies are reviewed, including government solvency and the sustainability of the fiscal–financial–monetary program. The paper aims to assist the design and implementation of future Fund programs and to contribute to the...

This Article IV Consultation reports that the economic growth of Mauritania is robust, which reflected prudent economic management, sustained donor support, and the beginning of oil production. Executive Directors observed that the return of constitutional order to Mauritania has established a...

Political pressure for faster delivery of tangible economic results has mounted against a backdrop of slower-than-expected economic growth, job losses in some sectors, and delays in infrastructure provision. Macroeconomic performance weakened in 2009 owing to the global recession, but tentative...

To better fulfill its crisis-prevention mandate, IMF surveillance needs to provide stronger incentives for countries to follow good policies and for markets to avoid boom-bust cycles in capital flows. To this end, surveillance should culminate in a summary public assessment of the quality of a...

This paper examines the First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Colombia. Under the authorities’ program, economic performance has been mostly favorable. Real economic growth appears to be recovering, led by a pickup in domestic demand that outweighed a decline in net exports....

This paper assesses Ethiopia’s Second Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and Requests for Augmentation of Access and for Waiver of Performance Criterion, and Second Annual Program. Performance under the first annual PRGF-supported...