## Income Inequality

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Income Inequality](https://www.imf.org/en/topics/inequality)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/topics/inequality/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/topics/inequality/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/topics/inequality/bundle-manifest.json)

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### Introduction to Inequality
- Global inequality has fallen in the past three decades.
- In most countries—especially advanced economies—within-country inequality has increased.
- High inequality can be detrimental for macroeconomic stability and for sustained long-term growth.
- Policies can be designed to tackle inequality without negative repercussions for growth.
- Inequality is a complex concept and is difficult to measure.
- Excessive inequality can erode social cohesion, lead to political polarization, and lower economic growth.

### IMF's work on Inequality
- Operational Guidance Note for IMF Engagement on Social Spending Issues (April 2024)
- Toward and Inclusive Equitable and Sustainable National Pension System in Iraq (April 2024)
- Strengthening Armenia’s Social Safety Net (December 2023)

### Recent related findings and thematic notes
- How Countries Are Adapting as the Global Energy Shock Persists — October 1, 2026
  - Governments deployed a wide range of measures as the energy shock unfolded, reflecting different domestic economic conditions. Targeting remains essential.
- Fiscal Rules Foster Stability as Spending Pressures Grow — September 25, 2025
  - Prudent anchors, corrective mechanisms, and supportive institutions can help countries comply with their fiscal rules and commit to sound public finances
- Global Debt Remains Above 235% of World GDP — September 17, 2025
  - Decline in private lending offsets increase in public borrowing; notable differences persist across countries and income groups.
- Disclosing Public Debt Boosts Investor Confidence, Cuts Borrowing Costs — June 12, 2025
  - Greater debt transparency builds investor confidence, helps reduce borrowing costs, and strengthens debt sustainability—reducing the risk of shocks that can lead to a debt crisis
- Debt is Higher and Rising Faster in 80 Percent of Global Economy — May 29, 2025
  - Fiscal Policy under mounting uncertainty means government budgets need resilience—particularly in countries whose economic weight makes them influence global trends
- Rising Global Debt Requires Countries to Put their Fiscal House in Order — April 23, 2025
  - Amid heightened uncertainty, policymakers will need to deal with complex trade-offs between debt, slower growth, and new spending pressures

---


## References

- [Introduction to Inequality](https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/Inequality/introduction-to-inequality)
- [IMF's work on Inequality](https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/Inequality/imfs-work-on-inequality)
- [Operational Guidance Note for IMF Engagement on Social Spending Issues (April 2024)](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Policy-Papers/Issues/2024/04/30/Operational-Guidance-Note-for-IMF-Engagement-on-Social-Spending-Issues-548431)
- [Toward and Inclusive Equitable and Sustainable National Pension System in Iraq (April 2024)](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/analytical-notes/Issues/2024/04/30/Towards-an-Inclusive-Equitable-and-Sustainable-National-Pension-System-in-Iraq-544930)
- [How Countries Are Adapting as the Global Energy Shock Persists](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/10/01/blog-how-countries-are-adapting-as-the-global-energy-shock-persists)
- [Fiscal Rules Foster Stability as Spending Pressures Grow](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2025/09/25/fiscal-rules-foster-stability-as-spending-pressures-grow)
- [Global Debt Remains Above 235% of World GDP](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2025/09/17/global-debt-remains-above-235-of-world-gdp)
- [Disclosing Public Debt Boosts Investor Confidence, Cuts Borrowing Costs](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2025/06/12/disclosing-public-debt-boosts-investor-confidence-cuts-borrowing-costs)
- [Debt is Higher and Rising Faster in 80 Percent of Global Economy](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2025/05/29/debt-is-higher-and-rising-faster-in-80-percent-of-global-economy)
- [Rising Global Debt Requires Countries to Put their Fiscal House in Order](https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2025/04/23/rising-global-debt-requires-countries-to-put-their-fiscal-house-in-order)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/topics/inequality_