Regional Economic Outlook
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Western Hemisphere
Regional Economic Outlook (REO): Western Hemisphere - Northern Spring, Southern Chills, April 2015
October 7, 2015
Description: Economies in the Western Hemisphere are generally seeing a slowdown in growth. The U.S. economy regained momentum after a slow start at the beginning of the year, while in Latin America and the Caribbean economic activity continues to decelerate at the regional level. Stronger U.S. growth should benefit countries in the region, especially those with tighter links through trade, remittances, and tourism (Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean). Weaker commodity prices for the foreseeable future, however, will continue to hurt South America’s net commodity exporters—lowering national incomes, reducing investment, and worsening fiscal balances. These developments could, in turn, impede progress made in recent years in poverty reduction. Key risks, including an abrupt tightening of U.S. interest rates or a further slowdown in China, may disproportionately affect Latin America. Chapters in this report examine monetary policy in Latin America, including the region’s exposure to global financial shocks; the role of value chains and regional trade agreements in fostering trade integration; and the state of financial market development in the region.
Asia and Pacific
Regional Economic Outlook: Asia and Pacific, April 2015: Stabilizing and Outperforming Other Regions
May 6, 2015
Middle East and Central Asia
Regional Economic Outlook Middle East and Central Asia; May 2015 Update
May 5, 2015
Description: The Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia (REO) is prepared by the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD). The analysis and projections contained in the MCD REO are integral elements of the department's surveillance of economic developments and policies in 31 member countries. It draws primarily on information gathered by MCD staff through their consultations with member countries.
Europe
Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe: Regional Economic Issues, May 2015
May 1, 2015
Description: The global growth projection for 2014 has been marked down by 0.3 percent to 3.4 percent, reflecting both the legacy of the weak first quarter, particularly in the United States, and a less optimistic outlook for several emerging markets. With somewhat stronger growth expected in some advanced economies next year, the global growth projection for 2015 remains at 4 percent.
Western Hemisphere
Regional Economic Outlook (REO): Western Hemisphere - Northern Spring, Southern Chills, April 2015
April 29, 2015
Description: Global growth remained modest and uneven last year—amid further downgrades in medium-term growth forecasts and a sharp decline in the price of oil—and is projected to strengthen only gradually over the period ahead. Prospects for advanced economies have improved somewhat, as the U.S. economy is projected to maintain robust growth, while cheaper oil and weaker currencies should support recovery in the euro area and Japan. By contrast, growth is expected to ease in oil exporters and several major emerging market economies, including China. Risks around this global outlook have become more balanced, but key downside risks remain—including renewed geopolitical tensions, possible abrupt shifts in financial markets, and stagnation and low inflation risks in advanced economies.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Regional Economic Outlook (REO): Sub-Saharan Africa - Navigating Headwinds, April 2015 -- Table of Contents
April 20, 2015
Description: Sub-Saharan African’s economy is set to register another year of solid growth, although the expansion will be at the lower end of the range registered in recent years, mainly reflecting the severe impact of the sharp decline in oil prices on the region’s oil exporters. In a context of tightening global financial conditions, the large fiscal and current account deficits that prevail in some countries could leave them vulnerable to a potential reduction in external financing. An even global recovery and domestic security-related challenges are also risks to the outlook. Against this backdrop, and beyond the immediate effects of the current shock, further progress toward diversification and structural transformation remain key to sustain high and inclusive growth, generate jobs for the rapidly growing young population and foster integration into global value chains. Table of Contents
Europe
Regional Economic Issues - Special Report: The Western Balkans - 15 Years of Economic Transition
March 15, 2015
Middle East and Central Asia
Learning to Live With Cheaper Oil Amid Weaker Demand - Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia, January 2015 Update
January 21, 2015
Description: The Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia (REO) is prepared annually by the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD). The analysis and projections contained in the MCD REO are integral elements of the department's surveillance of economic developments and policies in 31 member countries. It draws primarily on information gathered by MCD staff through their consultations with member countries
Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia, October 2014 -- Table of Contents
October 27, 2014
Description: The Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia (REO) is prepared annually by the IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department (MCD). The analysis and projections contained in the MCD REO are integral elements of the department's surveillance of economic developments and policies in 31 member countries. It draws primarily on information gathered by MCD staff through their consultations with member countries