The Article IV Consultation highlights the financial system risks that have increased reflecting both the global financial market turbulence and continued rapid credit growth in Hungary. With most new borrowing in foreign currency, the private sector’s net foreign currency liabilities...

This paper examines the People’s Republic of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s 2008 Article IV Consultation. Growth has slowed in the first half of the year, as external conditions have worsened. Inflation remains elevated, driven by food prices and housing costs. The...

The Gambia’s 2008 Article IV Consultation and Third Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility are discussed. A sharp appreciation of the dalasi in 2007 has mitigated the impact of increases in world food and oil prices. The authorities’ response to the continuing rise in these...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Ghana’s growth has remained strong, fuelled by both the private and public sectors. The Ghanaian economy maintained strong growth of about 61⁄2 percent in 2007 and the first months of 2008. The private sector has responded positively to...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that Mongolia’s macroeconomic performance in 2005–06 has been robust, underpinned by a run-up on copper and gold prices, declining inflation, and budget and external current account surpluses. Real GDP growth in 2005–06 is estimated at 7...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that an acute electricity crisis threatens Uganda’s macroeconomic performance. The regional drought in 2005/06 reduced Uganda’s already inadequate hydropower-generating capacity, resulting in a production gap of nearly one-half of demand. The...

This Selected Issues paper examines the factors behind the recent surge in capital flows in Japan. The paper presents econometric evidence on the influence of these capital flows on the medium-term dynamics of the yen. It finds that in the case of the yen–dollar rate, nontrade factors...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Japan’s external position remains strong. Boosted by investment income, the current account surplus widened in 2006 to nearly 4 percent of Japan’s GDP, despite a shrinking trade balance. Financial outflows also picked up, reflecting mainly...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that real GDP in South Africa grew by 5 percent in 2006 and continued to grow vigorously in early 2007. Growth was driven by strong domestic demand, with private consumption and investment spending supported by continuing robust consumer and business...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Indonesia’s economic performance has been strong since the last Article IV Consultation. Supported by sound policies and a favorable external environment, output has grown strongly, inflation has stabilized, and international reserves have...