Global economic developments in Guinea-Bissau, especially lower export demand and prices, are expected to slow growth significantly and put pressure on the balance of payments. The 2009 fiscal framework aims to stabilize public finances and avoid new domestic arrears. The authorities are...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is enjoying its second year of vigorous economic growth. Financial sector indicators have strengthened, but balance sheet vulnerabilities remain. Executive Directors have welcomed St. Vincent and the...

This paper discusses key findings of the First Review for Seychelles under the Stand-By Arrangement. Developments under the program at end-December 2008 were broadly satisfactory. Although growth was lower and inflation higher than targeted in 2008, the liberalization of the exchange regime and...

Spain’s housing boom was supported by rapid economic expansion, strong employment growth, an immigration boom, and low real interest rates. With the abrupt drying up of funding since mid-2007, these factors have eroded quickly. Through 2010, employment and value added in construction are...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that following a period of rapid growth, economic activity in the Slovak Republic tumbled in the first half of 2009 as a result of the global crisis. Slovakia’s banks have so far withstood the global crisis relatively well. Executive Directors...

This paper discusses key findings of the First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Guatemala. The fiscal deficit is increasing owing to a sharp decline in revenues, associated with the contraction in imports and domestic demand. The policy interest rate has been cut. All quantitative...

Three years of broad-based economic recovery in Kenya brought GDP growth to nearly 6 percent in 2005/06, its highest in two decades. This 2006 Article IV Consultation focuses on how to sustain Kenya’s recent strong economic growth. It argues that this would require accelerating structural...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that inflation and the current account deficit in Slovenia are expected to moderate. The main downward risks to growth are lower-than-projected growth in Europe, and a credit crunch in the event that foreign financing of domestic banks dries up. In...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that after 15 years of impressive growth led by a housing boom, the Spanish economy has entered a sharp downturn in the wake of the global liquidity squeeze since mid-2007. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their timely and...

This Selected Issues paper provides updates on Greece’s financial stability framework. The paper highlights that the Bank of Greece (BoG) has strengthened the financial stability framework over recent years. In addition to the liquidity provided by the euro system through its regular...