Agencies
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Global Policy Responses to Capital Flow Volatility
The COVID-19 health and economic crisis has once again focused attention on the fickleness of capital flows and the need to have an adequate policy toolkit to manage the risks that stem from…
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A Greener Future Begins with a Shift to Coal Alternatives
Demand for coal remains strong and helps to fuel economic development in emerging markets. Yet many countries, seeking a more sustainable future, have been taking steps to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels,…
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When Inequality is High, Pandemics Can Fuel Social Unrest
In the months and years following previous pandemics, the countries most affected saw a rise in social unrest. Based on this historical trend, the COVID-19 pandemic could pose a threat to the social…
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What to do When Low-for-Long Interest Rates are Lower and for Longer
Central banks have played a pivotal role in easing financial conditions in response to the COVID-19 shock, and helped avert a catastrophic downturn. However, their work is far from done. Yet more monetary…
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How the Rich Get Richer
A paper co-authored this year by economists from the IMF and other institutions confirms that wealthier people are more likely to earn higher returns on their investments. It also shows that the children…
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How a Collective Infrastructure Push Will Boost Global Growth
With vaccines around the corner, there is increased hope that the pandemic could soon be under better control. That said, the need for cooperative efforts to work toward a better future has never…
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Time is Ripe for Innovation in the World of Sovereign Debt Restructuring
When corporations have too much debt and need to restructure it, creditors often end up exchanging bonds or loans for stocks. They trade the guaranteed payout of a fixed-income investment for an equity…
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Continued Strong Policy Action to Combat Uncertainty
As G20 leaders meet virtually this week, the global economy faces a critical juncture. Countries have started to climb back from the depths of the COVID-19 crisis. But the resurgence in infections in…
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Data Disruption: The Impact of COVID-19 on Inflation Measurement
Lockdowns, working from home, and physical distancing caused people to spend larger shares of their household budgets on food and housing, while fewer people bought nonessentials, like airline tickets and clothing. And with…
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Bridging the Digital Divide to Scale Up the COVID-19 Recovery
Digitalization has in the past few years enabled developing countries, in particular, to leapfrog on financial inclusion. Countries like Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania have made great advances in connecting their citizens to…
