In the policy debate on the effectiveness of the Global Financial Safety Net, concerns have been raised that expectations of adverse effects of IMF programmes may deter countries from asking for an IMF programme when they need one, a form of "IMF stigma". We explore the existence of IMF...

IMF programs are often considered to carry a "stigma" that triggers adverse market reactions. We show that such a negative IMF effect disappears when accounting for endogenous selection into programs. To proxy for a country's access to financial markets, we use credit ratings and investor...

The IMF provides training to its membership in its core areas of expertise mainly through its Institute for Capacity Development (ICD) or formerly the IMF Institute (INS). This paper looks at the methods that ICD used to evaluate this activity and analyzes the data collected over the period...

This study analyses the performance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook output forecasts for the world and for both the advanced economies and the emerging and developing economies. With a focus on the forecast for the current year and the next year, we examine the...

This paper discusses Afghanistan's Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria (PCs). Program implementation through end-December 2017 was satisfactory, despite the challenging security situation and mounting political...

This paper discusses Mauritania's First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement. The outlook is positive, although considerable challenges remain to achieve high and inclusive growth. Vulnerabilities remain elevated and sustained reforms are needed to entrench macroeconomic...

This 2018 Article IV Consultation highlights that Mali's economic recovery continued in 2017 amid persistent security challenges. GDP growth remained robust, at an estimated 5.3 percent supported by good harvests and robust domestic demand. Inflation was subdued, remaining well below the...

This paper discusses Cyprus' Second Post-Program Monitoring Discussions. Cyprus's economic recovery has strengthened. GDP growth has reached 3.9 percent in 2017, with upbeat activity concentrated in construction, tourism and professional services. The unemployment rate has continued to decline...

This paper discusses Guinea-Bissau's Fifth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, Requests for Extension and Augmentation of Access, and Financing Assurances Review. Program implementation for the fifth review has been good. All performance criteria and indicative targets...

This paper discusses Colombia's Arrangement Under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) and Cancellation of Current Arrangement. Growth is expected to accelerate in 2018 and further over the medium term underpinned by a rebound in investment and nontraditional exports. Although the ongoing recovery in...