News

  
Press Briefing | December 4

IMF's Communications Department Director Julie Kozack discusses the latest developments related to key economic issues, and answers questions about Ukraine, Senegal, Argentina, Egypt, and more.

How the IMF Supports the Global Economy

The IMF’s mission is to promote macroeconomic and financial stability among its 191 member countries.

Podcasts

Claudia Sahm on how Private Data can Augment Official Statistics
December 18, 2025

While official statistics compiled by government agencies are still considered the most reliable, policymakers are increasingly using private data to get around their limitations. Former Federal Reserve economist Claudia Sahm says the immediacy and granularity of private company data should serve as a complement to traditional data, not as a substitute.

Governor Chang Yong Rhee on Bank of Korea’s Innovative Approach
December 11, 2025

Price stability is the main goal for central banks, and monetary policy is how they achieve it. However, societies are always in flux, and central bankers who pay close attention to emerging trends are more likely to make better policy decisions. Before becoming Governor in 2022, Mr. Rhee held several high-level roles in global financial institutions, including the IMF.

Dante Disparte on Stablecoins and the Future of Finance
December 2, 2025

While the volatility of digital currencies like Bitcoin has kept it out of traditional banking systems, stablecoin is gaining ground in the race for a suitable digital counterpart to fiat currency. Dante Disparte heads strategy and global policy at Circle, which issues two of the world's most widely traded stablecoins. In this podcast, he says stablecoin money can help overcome some of the inefficiencies of the traditional banking system.

Country Focus

Saudi Arabia’s Path Forward Amid Lower Oil Prices
December 18, 2025

Prudent fiscal policy, vigilant financial oversight, and deeper labor and investment reforms can keep Saudi Arabia’s transformation on track

Belize Invests in Infrastructure to Boost Growth Potential
November 5, 2025

Country seeks to tackle tourism bottlenecks, improve access to credit, and expand its labor force

Explaining Strong Credit Growth in Brazil Despite High Policy Rates
October 9, 2025

Higher income and fintech expansion boosted credit growth, even as monetary policy remained effective