Financial Crisis: IMF Key Issues

Key Issues
Financial Crisis

Global Economy Remains in Holding Pattern, IMF Says

The global economy remains very much in a holding pattern—stable, and getting better, but still highly vulnerable—IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn says.

Crisis Central

IMF Says Dubai Debt Fallout Contained, Events Still Unfolding
Dubai World’s aim for constructive engagement with its creditors has helped to reduce market uncertainty
Agreement with Banks Limits Crisis in Emerging Europe
Meetings to stop foreign-owned banks pulling out of emerging Europe help avert systemic crisis
Peace, Economic Stability Interconnected, Says Strauss-Kahn
Collective efforts to fight crisis can't be separated from efforts to guard social stability, secure peace
'Istanbul Decisions' to Guide IMF as Countries Shape Post-Crisis World
Global cooperation has prevented worse crisis and offered chance to shape post-crisis world

Problem-Solving Ideas

Policy Changes Urgently Needed to Address Global Imbalances
World economy could get stuck 'in midstream' with threat to recovery's sustainability
Clear Communication Key to Smooth Return from Exceptional Policies
Central banks acted nimbly--now focus is on exiting from large-scale interventions
Comparing Recessions in Germany, Spain, United Kingdom
Institutions, policies, unusual shocks are possible explanations for differences
Fiscal Rules Can Help Improve Fiscal Performance
Fiscal rules can be vital for stronger public finances, fiscal consolidation, and debt sustainability

Need to Know

Tax Compliance a Problem During Economic Crisis
Noncompliance is distortionary and inequitable and hampers medium-term tax base rebuilding
Initial Lessons of the Crisis
Focus on prevention, rather than on near-term resolution or long-term consequences
Financial Crises and Emerging Market Trade
Initial withdrawal of financing eases relatively quickly as alternative sources of financing are discovered
The Case for Global Fiscal Stimulus
Model shows that worldwide fiscal expansion plus easy monetary policy can have big multiplier effects

Who Said That?

Building a Post-Crisis Global Economy
IMF's John Lipsky says it is too early for general withdrawal of macroeconomic policy support
Modern Macroeconomics Is on the Wrong Track
OECD's William White argues that today's crisis requires a new macroeconomic paradigm
Leadership Role for Asia in Reshaping Post-Crisis Global Economy
IMF's Dominique Strauss-Kahn says Asia should lead global economy to more sustainable path for growth
Experts Warn Financial System Risks Still High
Conference told that governments must rethink how financial sector intersects with broader economy

IMF's Advice, Money Help Combat Global Crisis

The IMF is working on several fronts to help its members combat the worldwide economic and financial crisis.

The Fund is tracking economic and financial developments worldwide so that it can help policymakers with the latest forecasts and analysis of developments in financial markets. It is giving policy advice to countries and regions, and money to assist emerging market and low-income economies that have been hit by the crisis. And it is assisting the Group of 20 industrialized and emerging economies with recommendations to reshape the system of international regulation and governance.

This page pulls together the IMF's work on the financial crisis and includes links to key articles, documents, and background information.

Research & Publications

Write to us

Comments on this page should be sent to: exrpolicycom@imf.org