IMF Survey Podcasts

Does What You Export Matter?

16 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

Some economists say that a country’s exports can determine its economic fate. But William Maloney rejects the idea that exports play such a critical role. He says it’s not what you export, but how you do it.

Africa: Strong Growth and Bright Prospects

10 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

With a gradually improving outlook for the global economy, growth in sub-Saharan Africa is set to strengthen to 5.5%, according to the IMF’s latest forecast for the region. But growth patterns vary within the region.

Booms Don’t Last Forever

06 May 2013 00:00:00 EST

In recent years, commodity prices have been riding high, and many commodity dependent countries have benefited from these high prices. But this boon is unlikely to last forever: prices may fall, and nations can run out of key commodities.

Structural Change: Paving the Way for Development?

25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

When a country shifts from being largely based on agrarian economy to being based on services, or industry, it is said to have undergone structural change. Harvard’s Dani Rodrik explains why structural change is so critical to development.

On the Road to Recovery, At Different Speeds

16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

Although global growth is expected to reach 3.3% this year, and 4% in 2014, the health of the world’s economy is mixed. Olivier Blanchard, Chief Economist at the IMF explains that although the worst is behind us, policymakers still can’t afford to relax.

Breaking Through the Low-Income Ceiling

10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

In the last two decades, many low-income countries have experienced economic take off. But in the 60s and 70s, many of these same countries already boasted robust economic performances, until it all came to an abrupt stop. Can low-income countries keep on growing, this time?

How to Become Capable of Growth

04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EST

When you want to get a better job or achieve personal development, you might choose to increase your skills. This might mean learning something new, or acquiring more education. It’s the same with countries, if they want to climb up the ladder of development, they need to develop their capacity, or “capabilities,” says top economist Ricardo Hausmann.

Reforming Energy Subsidies in Africa

27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

In many countries, governments often subsidize the energy sector keeping the price of power lower than it might otherwise be. The aim is to protect the poor by keeping prices low. But, a new study by the International Monetary Fund suggests that these subsidies don't always have the desired effect.

Domestic Integration Before Globalization

21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

Supporters of globalization say that globalization creates growth by encouraging people and countries to interact and trade with each other across national borders. But, has the focus on international integration caused policymakers to overlook the need to integrate their national economies?

A Short History of Debt

15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sub-Saharan economies might be performing well now, but not so long ago, they were mired in debt. During the 70’s, many of them borrowed money to unsustainable levels and found themselves unable to service their debt. Joly explains how they got out of their predicament.

Caribbean Union Faces Similar Challenges to Euro Area

07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

The euro area may be the world’s largest and most well-known regional currency union, but the Eastern Caribbean Economic and Currency Union is an interesting microcosm of its larger European counterpart. The two could learn lessons from each other, suggests an IMF economist.

Revealing the Secrets of Bretton Woods

28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

The 1944 Bretton Woods conference laid the foundations of the modern international monetary system, but little was known about the exact proceedings of that historic gathering, until now.

Reducing Inequality Through Tax and Spending

21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Fiscal policy—or the way a government taxes, spends and borrows money—can have a huge impact on reducing inequality. But according to a recent IMF study, that impact has been shrinking over the past decade, as governments scale back social benefits, and make income taxes less progressive.

Africa Learns to Avoid Debt While Promoting Public Investment

15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced steady economic growth in recent years spurred, in part, by increased public investment. This government spending can bring many benefits, but it can also be dangerous if the money is spent on poorly chosen projects, or financed by expensive loans which leave a country in debt.

Fixing Fragile States

08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

The features of a fragile state can include political and economic instability, poverty, civil disorder, terrorism, human trafficking, disease, or all of these. But how to identify a fragile state, and what policies can fragile states pursue to become fully functioning nations?

Technology, Education, and Growing Inequality

31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Over the past several decades, advanced economies, especially the United States, have seen a striking rise in inequality. David Autor of MIT, argues that trend is driven by rapidly developing technology, which has made highly educated workers much more valuable, while pushing others out of jobs.

Modest Growth Pickup in 2013, says IMF Chief Economist

23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

The global economy is set to strengthen gradually in 2013, but risks remain. In the latest update to its World Economic Outlook, the IMF projects growth will be 3.5% this year. In this podcast, the IMF chief economist explains that despite the brighter outlook, policymakers need to address risks to the global economy.

Global Economy Avoids Collapse, but Reforms Still Needed

17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

World leaders have avoided a collapse of the global economy, but they must now follow through with reforms to avoid a relapse into crisis, says Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF.

Social Safety Nets at Work: the Case of Burkina Faso

03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

In the second part of our series on social safety nets in sub-Saharan Africa, we look at practice on the ground. In Burkina Faso, the IMF is working with the government to develop targeted welfare programs. The aim is to identify and help the most vulnerable. But it is still a work-in-progress.

Getting the World Back to Work

28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Globally, over 200 million people are unemployed, according to the IMF. Many European markets and emerging markets are suffering double-digit jobless rates, and youth and long-term unemployment are at alarming levels. What skills then do job seekers in a global labor market need to succeed?