The strong output growth and labor market performance of recent years reflect both supply-side and demand-side factors. Fiscal restraint has a crucial role to play in containing the risk of further overheating, as well as in a medium-term perspective. Steady gains have been made in labor...

The issue of whether constraints should be placed on fiscal policies when moving to European monetary union is examined in the context of the use of fiscal policy for macroeconomic stabilization purposes. Examples of shocks hitting French and German economies are considered: an appreciation of...

This paper employs several econometric techniques to estimate the Armenian output gap. The findings indicate that the output gap is significantly positive in 2007 and 2008 and decreased dramatically in 2009. The paper uses these results to estimate a New Keynesian Phillips curve for Armenia,...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Dutch economy continues to improve, supported by exports, rising housing prices, and improving sentiment. Exports are rising on expanding global trade, but consumption remains sluggish as indebted households continue to save. The external...

KEY ISSUES Context: The union’s current account deficit–the key economic vulnerability flagged in the previous (2011) consultation–has declined over the past few years, including thanks to fiscal adjustment in Curaçao. But it remains large. Curaçao’s growth and job creation remain...