Private Debt to Weigh on Global Economic Recovery
A record rise in private debt could slow the economic recovery, but the drag on growth will vary across countries and within them.
First Global Bank Stress Test Highlights Increased Financial Resilience
The world’s banking systems saw significant capital increases ahead of the pandemic and are resilient to very large shocks.
Tight Jobs Market Is a Boon for Workers But Could Add To Inflation Risks
Labor shortages have pushed up wage growth, benefitting low-wage workers but adding to inflation risks. Bringing more workers back into the labor force would ease these pressures while making the recovery more inclusive.
Chart of the WeekEconomic Indicators Signal Diminished Growth Momentum at Start of Year
The economic recovery continues, though the pace of the recovery has slowed. Notably, our global forecast was lowered in January to a still-healthy 4.4 percent expansion this year.
Governments Must Choose to Support or Restructure Heavily Indebted Firms
To stave off risks to recovery, policymakers should focus support on firms that can survive and prepare to restructure or liquidate those that cannot.
Emerging Economies Must Prepare for Fed Policy Tightening
Policymakers may need to react by pulling multiple policy levers, depending on Fed actions and their own challenges at home.
Chart of the WeekHigher Shipping Costs May Lift Asia’s Low Inflation
New analysis shows how increases in shipping rates have a persistent impact on consumer prices.
A Proposal to End the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Kristalina Georgieva, Gita Gopinath, and Ruchir Agarwal
عربي, 中文, Български, Español, Français, 日本語, Русский
Many countries have stepped up in the global fight against the pandemic, as have institutions such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, Gavi (the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization), the African Union, and others. […]
A COVID-19 Recovery Contribution
By Vitor Gaspar, Michael Keen, Alexander Klemm, and Paolo Mauro
The economic costs of the pandemic have fallen most heavily on those least able to bear them. Governments have taken steps to support people and firms through wage subsidies, unemployment benefits, and other fiscal measures. […]
