Growth
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
Philadelphia Fed releases latest business survey
Philadelphia Fed reports continued improvements in manufacturing sector; results of Business Outlook Survey show general activity, new orders, shipments and employment all remained positive
ECB reveals dip in G-20 GDP growth
European Central Bank announces G-20 GDP growth slowed to 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2011
IMF paper looks at long-term prosperity in China
IMF research suggests China could enhance long-term income by implementing reforms to weaken protection of monopolies and encourage entry in all industries
Juncker confirms release of latest funds for Greece
Eurogroup approves second adjustment programme in Greece; first instalment of €39.4 billion of emergency funding to be released
Norway lowers benchmark rate again
Norges Bank surprises markets by announcing 0.25 percentage point cut to key policy rate; governor says continuing downturn abroad and strong krone are keeping inflation low and "weighing on growth"
IMF’s Shinohara highlights Ethiopia’s economic challenges
Naoyuki Shinohara, deputy managing director of the IMF, says Ethiopia still has work to do on containing high inflation and raising savings, among other issues
RBI’s Khan discusses outward Indian FDI
Reserve Bank of India deputy governor speaks about globalisation and growing Indian outward foreign direct investment
Dutch central bank warns on budget deficit
Netherlands Bank says “highest priority” is required for restructuring of Dutch public finances
South Africa must tackle capital flows ‘challenge’, says deputy governor
Sarb deputy governor says problems with capital flows in South Africa require “fresh thinking”; rand exchange rate fluctuations causing problems
Raskin echoes Bernanke in discussing ‘modest’ recovery
Sarah Bloom Raskin talks about slow recovery compared to historical cycles and the impact of accommodative policy on savers
Bank of Mauritius releases financial stability report
Latest report offers overview of international and domestic economic pressures impacting the country
IMF paper studies Indian growth spillovers to south Asia
Results of a panel growth regression suggests India’s growth has impacted region since 1995
Malaysia warns external environment could restrict growth
Bank Negara Malaysia fourth quarter report on economic and financial developments says strong domestic demand will drive growth in 2012 despite challenging external environment
Israel releases latest economic update
Inflation over whole of 2011 was 2.2%; country reached vicinity of full employment in the first half of last year
Brazil deputy governor positive about economic future
Aldo Mendes says Brazil is prepared to face global economic deterioration; expects to see final growth figure of 3% for 2011 announced soon