International Monetary Fund

World Economic Outlook Data Forum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Updated: July 29, 2017


click for more What is the World Economic Outlook (WEO) publication, database, and update?

click for more What is the purpose of the forum?

click for more Who moderates the forum?

click for more Why aren't my replies immediately posted to the forum?

click for more What type of posts will be rejected by the moderator?

click for more Who answers my questions?

click for more How long will it be before my questions are answered?

click for more Will other users see my e-mail address?


Q. What is the World Economic Outlook (WEO) publication, database, and update?

A. The WEO publication presents the IMF staff's analysis and projections of economic developments at the global level, in major country groups (classified by region, stage of development, etc.), and in many individual countries. It focuses on major economic policy issues as well as on the analysis of economic developments and prospects. It is usually prepared twice a year and the publications are available for download.

The WEO database is updated simultaneous with the release of the WEO publication. The database contains macroeconomic data series from the statistical appendix of the WEO publication. Use this database to find data on national accounts, inflation, unemployment rates, balance of payments, fiscal indicators, trade for countries and country groups (aggregates), and commodity prices whose data are reported by the IMF. Data are available from 1980 to the present, and projections are given up to five years in the future.

In response to growing demand for more frequent forecast updates, the WEO Update is published in January and July between the two main WEO publications. The WEO Update is distributed on a complimentary basis and provides a subset of revised estimates for key indicators.

Q. What is the purpose of the forum?

A. This a new initiative intended to provide a venue for communication and discussion about the data contained in the semiannual World Economic Outlook and its companion database. This forum is not intended for discussion about policy advice or broad economic themes contained in the publication; rather it is a place for us to provide insight into the methodologies and practices that we use to produce the data for the World Economic Outlook.

Q. Who moderates the forum?

A. The forum will be fully moderated by the WEO team, and occasionally we may have to block content that we deem inappropriate or unsuitable.

Q. Why aren't my replies immediately posted to the forum?

A. The WEO forum is moderated, and there will be a delay while your post is reviewed. If your post violates the WEO Forum guidelines, the WEO team reserves the right to edit and/or reject your post. We will inform you via e-mail if your post has been rejected.

Q. What type of posts will be rejected by the moderator?

A.

  • Content: This forum is not intended for discussion about policy advice in the publication or topics unrelated to the WEO publication and database. Solicitation or advertisements are also not allowed. Finally, posts with personal information such as email addresses and/or contact information will be rejected.
  • Language: Posts with inappropriate language, personal attacks, rudeness, and slang are not acceptable.

Please see the forum Guidelines for more information.

Q. Who answers my questions?

A. Generally, the WEO team answers the posts although other WEO Forum users may also respond.

Q. How long will it be before my questions will be answered?

A. The WEO team will try to approve and/or answer your post within 3 business days.

Q. Will other users see my e-mail address?

A. No. Only your username will be visible to other users of the WEO forum. Your e-mail address will only be used for the WEO team to communicate with you directly.