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Economics

Report outlines pathways for coordinated global climate action

Five international organizations have released a comprehensive report aimed at promoting coordinated approaches to climate action, carbon pricing, and addressing policy spillovers. The Joint Task Force on Climate Action, Carbon Pricing, and Policy Spillovers presented the report titled "Working Together for Better Climate Action: Carbon Pricing, Policy Spillovers, and Global Climate Goals" on October 23 in Washington, DC. This task force was convened by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and included contributions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization...


Economics

IMF reaches staff-level agreement on reviews of Rwanda's financial arrangements

From October 7 to October 20, 2024, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Ruben Atoyan engaged in discussions with Rwandan authorities regarding the nation's policy priorities and reform progress. These discussions took place within the framework of the fourth reviews of Rwanda’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), along with the second review of the Stand-by Credit Facility (SCF) arrangement. The IMF Executive Board is expected to consider these reviews in December 2024. Following this review, Rwanda may access...


Economics

African Caucus meeting discusses strategies for strengthening Africa's economic resilience

On October 22, 2024, Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Chair of the African Caucus, alongside Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), released a statement following the conclusion of an African Caucus meeting in Washington, DC.


Economics

G-24 addresses global economic concerns amid geopolitical tensions

The Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four on International Monetary Affairs and Development (G-24) recently convened in Washington, D.C., addressing several pressing global issues. The meeting, chaired by Ralph Recto from the Philippines, focused on humanitarian crises, economic stability, and multilateral cooperation.


Economics

IMF board approves reforms reducing borrowing costs by $1.2 billion annually

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has concluded its review of charges and the surcharge policy, marking the first time these elements have been jointly assessed alongside commitment fees. This review is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the IMF's lending policies are effective in supporting member countries amid global challenges.


Economics

Liechtenstein joins International Monetary Fund as its newest member

The Principality of Liechtenstein has officially joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as its 191st member. The membership was formalized when Prime Minister Daniel Risch signed the IMF's Articles of Agreement during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2024.


Economics

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with São Tomé for extended credit facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe on an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. This announcement follows discussions led by Slavi Slavov, the IMF Mission Chief for São Tomé and Príncipe, who visited the country from May 23 to June 5, 2024, and held subsequent virtual meetings.


Economics

IMF reaches agreement with Armenia on fourth review under Stand-By Arrangement

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Iva Petrova, conducted discussions in Yerevan from September 18 to October 1, 2024, followed by virtual meetings regarding the fourth review under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with Armenia. Ms. Petrova announced that a staff-level agreement has been reached with Armenian authorities on policies for completing this review.


Economics

IMF completes first review under extended credit facility for Ethiopia

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the first review of Ethiopia's 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. This decision enables an immediate disbursement of approximately US$340.7 million, aiding Ethiopia in meeting its balance of payments needs. With this development, total disbursements under the arrangement have reached about US$1.363 billion.


Economics

IMF completes fifth review of Ukraine's extended fund facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the fifth review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Ukraine, allowing the nation to access US$1.1 billion for budget support. This brings total disbursements under the program to US$8.7 billion. The 48-month EFF arrangement, which was approved on March 31, 2023, provides Ukraine with SDR 11.6 billion, equivalent to US$15.5 billion or about 577 percent of its quota.


Economics

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Honduras after economic policy review

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ricardo Llaudes, visited Tegucigalpa, Honduras, from October 7 to 18, 2024. This visit was part of ongoing discussions that have been both in-person and virtual over recent months. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Llaudes issued a statement outlining the outcomes of their discussions.


Economics

BusinessEurope outlines priorities for EU social policy through 2029

BusinessEurope has released its priorities for the European Union's social policy over the next five years. The document was presented to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, and European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit during a meeting with the European Social Partners.


Economics

BusinessEurope discusses challenges facing Europe's SMEs at Berlin roadshow

BusinessEurope held its fourth SME Roadshow event in Berlin, Germany, in collaboration with the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA) and supported by the Federation of German Industries (BDI). The event featured speeches from Roberta Metsola, European Parliament President, and Michael Kellner, German Parliamentary State Secretary and Commissioner for SMEs.


Economics

Managing Partner at Oriza FOFs: 'We believe that China's capital market is returning to the essence of value investment'

Qing Xu, Managing Partner at Oriza FOFs, said that emerging investment opportunities are present within China's evolving economic landscape. Despite global uncertainties, Xu emphasized the country's resilience and highlighted sectors like AI, healthcare, and sustainable development as key areas for future growth.


Economics

U.S trade deficit narrows as exports rise and imports fall

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis have reported a decrease in the U.S. goods and services deficit for August 2024. The deficit stood at $70.4 billion, down from $78.9 billion in July.


Economics

U.S. Bureau reports rise in personal consumption expenditures across all states

Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) saw an increase across all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2023, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The changes varied, with Florida experiencing the highest increase at 8.1 percent, while Iowa had the lowest at 4.7 percent. On a national scale, current-dollar PCE rose by 6.4 percent in 2023 following a 9.8 percent rise in 2022.


Economics

U.S Bureau Economic Analysis reports slight rise personal income outlays August

Personal income in the United States increased by $50.5 billion, or 0.2 percent, in August, according to estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Disposable personal income (DPI), which is personal income less current taxes, rose by $34.2 billion, also a 0.2 percent increase. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) grew by $47.2 billion, marking another 0.2 percent rise.


Economics

BEA reports Q2 economic data showing mixed results across US states

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 49 states and the District of Columbia in the second quarter of 2024, with the percent change ranging from 5.9 percent at an annual rate in Idaho to -1.1 percent in Alaska, according to statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.


Economics

Starbucks stock downgraded due to uncertainty on operational improvements

Starbucks Corp., a global leader in the coffeehouse industry, has encountered a recent stock downgrade by analysts due to ongoing challenges. Highlighted issues include concerns over operations, organizational culture, and value perception.


Economics

BEA reports U.S GDP growth at annual rate of three percent for second quarter

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released its third estimate for the second quarter of 2024, showing a 3.0 percent annual increase in real gross domestic product (GDP). This follows a revised 1.6 percent increase in the first quarter.