In April 2006, the IMF issued an overall extremely positive appraisal of the world economic development for the third consecutive year in this decade. The impression created is that the turbulent times of the second half of the 90s and the crises of the beginning of this decade have been overcome, the lessons of failed economic policy have been learned and the course has been set for uninterrupted positive development in the coming years. However, this impression is deceptive, writes Jörg Huffschmid.
On the one hand there are risks, already mentioned by the IMF in previous reports, that continue or have even become more severe: high oil prices, unstable financial markets, global imbalances. On the other hand, the central problem of distribution remains occluded... ... this article is reserved for subscribers. It was published in Issue 2/Jun-Jul 2006. Please log in >>> here.
Race to a New Bretton Woods + Time for UN to Act + Stiglitz' New Economic Compact + China's Agrarian Reforms + Transparency Deficit of IMF and World Bank
Since the financial meltdown began in mid-September, the bond markets of most of the region have been hit, as well as most of their stock markets and a number of currencies. Can South America escape the wrath of the economic and financial storms that have their epicenter in the United States?
On 11 October 2008, the International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IWG) released the Generally Accepted Principles and Practices (GAPP) that would guide the governance and accountability framework of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).
For years, only a small and enlightened elite and some NGOs looking beyond their tiny projects have been calling for a New Bretton Woods - a global conference to restructure the global economic and financial system. Yet suddenly such demands have become almost mainstream, and developments have accelerated tremendously.
The timing has been perfect: In the middle of October, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China approved a reform proposal that will allow farmers to lease or transfer their land rights. Called a "historic" decision by some observers, the Chinese government announced it as Chinas contribution to counter the financial crisis.
The 2008 US Presidential election was historic itself owing to the candidates' profile. But the timing of the elections as the U.S. and global economy are in the midst of the worst financial crisis and recession in decades reminds us of the Great Depression era and the 1980s recession.