competition – IMF Blog

Bank Profitability: Consider the Source

IMFBlog2019-05-01T16:42:23-04:00April 30, 2019|

By Udaibir S. Das, Kun Hu, and TengTeng Xu

The global financial crisis of 2007–2009 and the ensuing period of low interest rates have renewed interest among policy makers in the relationship between bank profitability and financial stability. […]

Getting into Higher Gear: Why Structural Reforms Are Critical for Revving Up Global Growth

IMFBlog2019-03-26T16:45:33-04:00July 25, 2016|

David Lipton 2016-1 By David Lipton

Versions in عربي (Arabic), Español (Spanish)

Almost a decade after the start of the global financial crisis, the world economy is still trying to achieve escape velocity. The IMF’s recent forecast for global growth is a disappointing 3.1 percent in 2016 and 3.4 percent in 2017. And the outlook remains clouded by increased economic and political uncertainty, including from the impact of the Brexit vote.

Policymakers have taken forceful macroeconomic policy action to support growth, such as fiscal stimulus and appropriately accommodative monetary policy. But a lasting recovery remains elusive. […]

Unleashing Growth Potential in the Middle East

IMFBlog2017-04-15T14:28:11-04:00February 24, 2011|

Recent popular protests in the Middle East and North Africa, although likely to have a negative economic impact in the short run, might actually help to unleash the countries’ long-term growth potential. By providing the impetus for reforms, these events may encourage better governance, greater transparency, and more competition—in other words, tackling many of the constraints that have held back progress in these societies. In a recent (video) interview, I talk more about events in the region, the policy challenges, and what actions might help these countries achieve higher standards of living and employment for all sections of society.

Quo Vadis México?

IMFBlog2017-04-15T14:30:43-04:00December 13, 2010|

Mexico needs to prioritize boosting its very low long-term growth rate and create the jobs of the future for the youth. This will require tackling some difficult issues, particularly competitition, public services, and labor markets.

More than 18 Million Jobs Needed!

IMFBlog2017-04-15T14:32:51-04:00October 31, 2010|

For the six oil-importing countries in the Middle East and North Africa region—Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, and Tunisia—high unemployment is a chronic problem. Averaging above 10 percent for the past two decades, unemployment rates here are among the highest in the world. And, youth unemployment is even more alarming at over 20 percent. Given the enormous economic and social costs of unemployment, the region can no longer afford the status quo. These countries need to create about 18? million full-time jobs over the next decade to provide employment for young people looking for their first job and to bring down unemployment. But, why is unemployment chronically high? And what needs to be done to fix it?