EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recent data show a gradual economic recovery, with growth projected to reach just over 1 percent in 2014/15. Inflation has trended down to about 8 percent. The program is on track. Jamaica's four-year, SDR 615.38 million (225 percent of quota) Extended Arrangement under the EFF...

KEY ISSUES Stand-By Arrangement (SBA): The 36-month SBA for SDR 52.51 million (590 percent of quota) was approved on July 27, 2011. The seventh and eighth reviews were completed on March 19, 2014, together with the 2014 Article IV consultation. The authorities plan to continue to treat the...

The article highlights the economic condition, fiscal policies, external stability, and financial growth strategy of The Bahamas. The economy of The Bahamas showed gradual growth of about 2.5 percent by 2012, but there were challenges for the country. The nation has to rebuild macroeconomic...

Background: Uruguay has experienced a decade of strong and inclusive expansion since its 2002 crisis, thanks to important institutional reforms, large-scale FDI projects attracted by Uruguay’s stable macroeconomic environment and business-friendly investment climate, and favorable external...

KEY ISSUES Context: The overall state of the economy remains strong despite lower metal prices and market turbulence in mid-2013. The economy is still operating somewhat near potential and continues to be one of the most dynamic in the region. However, the pace of growth slowed in 2013 as a...

KEY ISSUES Context. Since the mid-2000s, macroeconomic stability supported by high world commodity prices and active social policies have contributed to nearly tripling income per capita and reducing poverty in Bolivia. Prudent fiscal policies allowed saving a sizable portion of the hydrocarbon...

KEY ISSUES Context. Macroeconomic stability has been maintained and policies are broadly in line with the recommendations of the 2012 Article IV consultation. Growth is expected to slow somewhat, reflecting in part lower coffee production and slowdown in construction. Inflation expectations are...

KEY ISSUES Context: Over the past year, Mexico has maintained macroeconomic stability and has made significant progress in advancing growth-oriented structural reforms. The country’s close ties with the global economy, while a source of strength, heighten the economy’s exposure to external...

KEY ISSUES Context. Brazil is recovering gradually from the growth slowdown that started in mid- 2011, but the recovery remains uneven and inflation elevated. Output is estimated at potential with supply-side constraints, linked to tight labor market conditions and protracted weak investment...

The IMF staff report on Mexico’s financial policies has been satisfactory; these policies have been said to act as a buffer against risks that erupted during the global economic crisis. Mexico has been identified as a prudent and fairly well-managed economy. However, the issues that would pose...