Global Imbalances and Financial Stability

 
Author/Editor: Xafa, Miranda
 
Publication Date: May 01, 2007
 
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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate
 
Summary: This paper discusses two opposing views on global imbalances: The "traditional view", which regards the imbalances as a threat to global economic and financial stability, and the "new paradigm" view, which considers that they are the natural consequence of economic and financial globalization. In terms of their policy implications, the traditional view focuses on monetary and fiscal policy decisions in the United States that need to be urgently reversed to avoid an abrupt unwinding of the imbalances involving a sell-off of dollar assets, a sharp increase in U.S. interest rates, and a hard landing for the global economy. By contrast, the new paradigm view considers that the imbalances will be resolved smoothly through the normal functioning of markets. The paper argues that an abrupt unwinding of imbalances is highly unlikely and advances a number of arguments in support of the new paradigm view.
 
Series: Working Paper No. 07/111
Subject(s): Balance of payments | Current account balances | Adjustment process | United States | Globalization

Author's Keyword(s): Global imbalances | portfolio balance | asset shortages | financial globalization
 
English
Publication Date: May 01, 2007
ISBN/ISSN: 1934-7073 Format: Paper
Stock No: WPIEA2007111 Pages: 20
Price:
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