IMF Blog - International Monetary Fund Blog

In its semiannual update, the International Monetary Fund revisits its earlier projections on global growth, assessing the impacts that recent changes to the economic and geopolitical environment have made on the outlook for the economy. The IMF examines a number of issues, such as the consequences of trade problems between the United States and China, and the effect Brexit may have on growth. This succinct report will interest anyone wishing to keep up-to-date with current issues affecting the global economy.

Consumers are increasingly turning to PayPal, Alipay and other payment platforms to transfer, borrow, save and store funds. Companies are also in on the digital action, integrating blockchain intro their financial ecosystems. This disruption of the traditional banking architecture has vast implications for central bankers as well. In this thoughtful examination, economists Tobias Adrian and Tommaso Mancini-Griffoli take a deep dive into the e-money sphere, highlighting why monetary officials need to play an important part in the shaping of these new digital monies.

The June 2016 UK vote to quit the European Union shocked the world and set into motion a series of events hurtling the country toward Brexit in March 2019. As the political leave-taking process grinds on, economist Jiaqian Chen takes a close look at the potential impact on the British economy and its industries. Because the EU and the United Kingdom have been linked economically and politically for decades, the unwinding of the partnership presents severe challenges for both parties. Executives and public officials will find this sobering report a valuable forecasting tool.

The critical yet elusive response to the question of how to reduce gender inequality in the labor market has dogged policy makers for decades. This enlightening study from a team of IMF researchers relies on rigorous analytical approaches to determine the most significant factors associated with gender inequality. Their findings point to some promising ideas and potential solutions that may surprise you. getAbstract recommends this study to executives, policy experts and analysts for its insights into gender issues.

According to policy expert Anthony Annett, economics needs to return to its origins in moral philosophy to regain its validity in the 21st century. In this insightful appeal, he argues that the prevailing neoclassical doctrine encourages reckless behaviors, such as those that led to climate change and to the 2008 global financial crisis. He posits that economics must consider the social and environmental costs of economic activities. getAbstract recommends Annett’s well-presented and compelling case to government and business leaders as well as to economists.