Economic Survey of Iceland 2009: The financial and economic crisis

Iceland’s main banks, which had pursued risky expansion strategies, failed in the wake of the global financial crisis, plunging the economy into a deep recession. Prudential supervision needs to be improved.

Economic Survey of Iceland 2009: Challenging times for monetary and fiscal policies

Inflation performance has been unsatisfactory. By joining the euro area, Iceland would share the benefits of the ECB’s credibility. Substantial fiscal consolidation is required following the financial crisis.

Is there a case for price-level targeting?

There is a case, but there are also counter-arguments. With sufficient forward-looking behaviour among firms and households, price-level targeting can act as a powerful built-in stabiliser through automatic shifts in inflation expectations.

Economic Survey of Greece 2009: Weathering the international crisis

High public debt leaves virtually no room for fiscal manoeuvre to limit the impact of the crisis in Greece. The close trade and banking links established with the Balkan countries might be a risk in the near future.

Economic Survey of Mexico 2009: Overcoming the financial crisis and the macroeconomic downturn

Despite improved fundamentals, Mexico is hit hard by the financial crisis, being exposed to several simultaneous external shocks. A welcome, but weak, stimulus was passed for 2009, and policy will likely need to be supportive also in 2010.

Financial stability in the United Kingdom: Banking on prudence

This paper reviews the supervisory and regulatory framework and the many reforms that have already been adopted to remedy these weaknesses. It also provides recommendations for further reforms.

Related Documents

• Economic Survey of the United Kingdom 2009

Economic Survey of Russia 2009: Stabilisation and renewed growth: Key challenges

After a decade of rapid growth, Russia has fallen into recession. The near term challenge is to limit the extent of the downturn, while beyond the crisis, a sounder growth model should be put in place.

Economic Survey of Russia 2009: Making the banking sector more efficient and resilient

Despite improvements, the banking system remains underdeveloped and crisis-prone. The current crisis, albeit painful, may yield restructuring and new regulatory approaches that will be positive in the long run.

Economic Survey of Russia 2009: Making exchange rate policy more flexible and monetary policy more effective

Russia should aim for a gradual switch from a quasi-fixed exchange rate policy to inflation targeting. Not all conditions for adopting inflation targeting are yet in place, but preparations should be accelerated.

The bank lending channel of monetary transmission in Brazil: A VECM approach

This paper tests for the existence of a bank lending channel in the transmission of monetary policy in Brazil using monthly aggregate data for the period 1995:12 through 2008:6.

Related Documents

• Economic Survey of Brazil 2009