Growth
IMF research examines correlation between structural reforms and economic convergence
International Monetary Fund working paper finds that specific economic reforms can help improve the speed at which regional convergence is achieved
MAS to use currency appreciation to keep inflation in check
Monetary Authority of Singapore says ‘gradual’ easing of exchange band will ‘anchor’ inflation; Asian demand to underpin economy despite ageing population and economic problems in the West
Finland's Hakkarainen ponders challenges ahead for restarting growth
Bank of Finland deputy governor examines challenges facing European and other advanced economies as future growth is sought
Bernanke places onus on US government to act
Bernanke calls on US Congress to act on fiscal policy; growth forecasts upgraded in latest Fed economic projections
Sarb revises growth forecasts upwards for 2012
South African Reserve Bank publishes Financial Stability Review; revises growth estimate upwards
Bank of Finland research examines link between retail payments and economic growth
Bank of Finland discussion paper highlights the link between increased use of electronic payments systems and economic growth
Bank of Canada strikes positive note in policy report
Latest Monetary Policy Report from the Bank of Canada sets out better than expected economic momentum; inflation risks balanced and stimulus withdrawal ‘may become appropriate’ says report
India slashes benchmark rate
Reserve Bank of India drops repo rate to 8% in first cut in years; governor references slowing growth and declining inflation in announcing decision
Fed’s Dudley airs fears over economic 'headwinds'
New York Fed president says rising gasoline prices and housing market weakness are significant headwinds to economic growth
BoJ’s Miyao says deflation 'overriding issue' in Japanese economy
Bank of Japan policy board member says if the central bank pursues its monetary policy solely to meet inflation target, it would harm the development of the economy
Beige Book signals modest US growth
Federal Reserve summary finds modest growth reported by all districts amid concerns about petroleum prices; manufacturing sector expansion also noted
Fed’s Yellen discusses timeline for interest rate change in US
Federal Reserve vice-chair says gradual pace of recovery means interest rates likely to remain low until late 2014
Irish central bank predicts slower growth as export markets tighten
Central Bank of Ireland says emergency budget shouldn’t be necessary in 2012; return to stability forecast even as growth slows
QE3 prospects diminish slightly after FOMC minutes release
FOMC minutes provoke fresh questions as to likelihood of further QE; Fed board members cautious on growth prospects
Draghi places emphasis on governments to drive EU growth
ECB president says national policy-makers must take measures to develop the competitiveness of their economies; downside risks prevalent for euro economy
Bank of Slovenia forecasts economic contraction in 2012
Bank of Slovenia forecasts 1.2% contraction in 2012: revised budget in April expected to contain further fiscal tightening
Bank of Israel forecasts higher growth and inflation in 2012
Central bank says improving global conditions are the major driver as inflation and growth expectations in Israel are revised upwards
IMF's Shinohara airs concerns over slowing Asian growth
Weak demand in Europe and US has potential to harm growth prospects for Asia, says IMF deputy managing director
IMF working paper links democracy and GDP growth
International Monetary Fund researchers conclude that income inequality is key driver to the emergence of open societies
Finnish research finds Chinese growth is restricted by capital constraints
Bank of Finland research finds that despite reforms, borrowing restrictions continue to dampen growth prospects for Chinese corporations
ESRB assesses systemic risks to EU financial system
European Systemic Risk Board analyses key systemic risks to financial system in the EU; uncertainties surrounding sovereign debt and pressures on bank funding among top issues
IMF working paper suggests financial sector reform key to rebalancing Chinese economy
Reforms that lead to real interest rates rising and appreciate the real effective exchange rate would contribute to rebalancing growth in China toward private consumption, finds IMF research
Malaysia annual report predicts tougher 2012
Slower growth and challenging time for exporters forecast in annual report from Bank Negara Malaysia
Bank of Greece delivers policy report for ‘critical year’
Greek central bank announces bleak prediction for economy in 2012; calls on government to go above and beyond to ensure reform programme is implemented