Public Information Notice No. 10/101

Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2010 Article IV Consultation with the United States

July 30, 2010

On July 26, 2010, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with the United States.¹

Background

Thanks to a massive policy response, the U.S. economy is recovering from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Monetary policy has maintained a highly accommodative tilt, with policy rates near zero and asset purchases that have helped to ameliorate financial strains. Fiscal policy has been very stimulative, with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act imparting stimulus of about 5 percent of GDP during 2009–2011, supplemented by measures targeted to housing, labor and auto markets. Meanwhile, measures to stabilize financial markets, capital injections, guarantees, and stress testing dramatically improved financial conditions. As a result, GDP grew an average 4 percent (seasonally adjusted annual rate) in the second half of 2009 before slowing to 2.7 percent (saar) growth in the first quarter of 2010. The U.S. current account deficit shrank on the back of weak domestic demand, lower oil prices, and the cumulative effect of the depreciation trend in the dollar since early 2002.

However, the economic recovery has been slow by historical standards—consistent with past experience in the aftermath of housing and financial crises—and the outlook remains uncertain. In particular, private demand has been sluggish, while the unemployment rate has receded only modestly from near post-Depression highs. As a result, inflation has remained contained, with core inflation easing amid wide economic slack. Recent market volatility from the sovereign crisis in Europe has tightened financial conditions somewhat despite safe-haven flows that have reduced Treasury yields. Looking ahead, risks are elevated and tilted to the downside (as clear from the most recent batch of economic indicators), with particular risks from a double dip in the housing market and spillovers if external financial conditions worsen.

Macroeconomic policies are set to remain accommodative in the near term. The draft FY2011 budget includes allowances for further targeted support for growth, while proposing measures aimed at reducing the deficit to 4 percent of GDP by the middle of the decade. A new Fiscal Commission will recommend measures aimed at further reducing the deficit to roughly 3 percent of GDP and stabilizing the ratio of debt to GDP over the medium term. Most of the special liquidity facilities have been phased out and the Fed ended its mortgage-backed securities purchase program without disrupting markets, while signaling continued low policy rates for an extended period.

Progress has been made in addressing long-term challenges. The health care reform widens coverage and introduces cost-containment measures, and seeks to reduce near-term deficits as well as the long-term fiscal gap. The financial regulation reform, which is broadly consistent with proposals in the IMF’s Financial Stability Assessment Program, includes a broadening of the regulatory perimeter to all systemic institutions and markets, a new council of regulators to improve systemic risk detection and resolution, tighter prudential regulation parameters, and stronger resolution mechanisms for nonbank financial institutions.

Executive Board Assessment

Executive Directors noted the economic recovery underway in the United States, aided by a massive policy response. However, with recovery still dependent on policy support, rising downside risks, and substantial long-term fiscal and financial-sector challenges, further decisive action is needed to achieve stable medium-term growth and limit risks of adverse international spillovers.

Directors saw near-term tradeoffs between supporting recovery and addressing long-term legacies. Macroeconomic support remains appropriate for this year, given still-weak demand, high unemployment, and lingering financial strains, although the envisioned withdrawal in 2011 is appropriate. Monetary support can be sustained for longer, given quiescent inflation expectations and forthcoming fiscal drag. However, Directors saw scope for a smaller up-front fiscal adjustment if downside risks materialize, complemented by measures to bolster medium-term credibility.

Setting public debt on a sustainable path is a key macroeconomic challenge. Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to fiscal stabilization, but noted that a larger than budgeted adjustment would be required to stabilize debt-to-GDP under staff’s economic assumptions, requiring revenue and expenditure measures. They urged the authorities to accompany the 2011 adjustment with a strong commitment to medium-term stabilization, perhaps including further entitlement reform. Some Directors welcomed the creation of the Fiscal Commission and the Independent Payment Advisory Board as useful steps. A number of Directors encouraged the authorities to set debt-to-GDP on a declining path in the longer term.

Directors welcomed the health care reform, including enhanced coverage and measures to control costs, the key long-term fiscal risk. However, with payoffs highly uncertain, close monitoring of costs and remedial actions, if needed, will be essential. Further action is also necessary on Social Security, where needed measures are well known and payoff more certain.

Directors welcomed the FSAP assessment, which acknowledged that the financial system has strengthened but remains vulnerable to shocks. Private securitization is still impaired and banks may lack balance-sheet strength to support future credit demand. Accordingly, banks must fully recognize balance-sheet risks and have sufficient capital to support recovery.

Directors welcomed the major financial reform, which is broadly consistent with FSAP recommendations, but noted that strong implementation will be crucial. Close coordination among regulatory agencies is essential, as the reform missed the opportunity to consolidate the complex array of regulators. Directors also underscored the importance of containing counterparty risks in OTC derivatives markets; revitalizing private securitization; and moving ahead with reforms to the housing finance system, including the GSEs.

Directors saw the Federal Reserve as well placed to manage the monetary exit given its expanded toolkit. The Fed has credibly communicated its commitment to sustaining accommodative monetary conditions while preparing for the exit. Continued clear communication is essential as the exit evolves.

Directors saw a key role for the United States in promoting multilateral economic management. U.S. economic policy could help secure medium-term global growth and stability mainly through medium-term fiscal consolidation, which could also help reduce the current account deficit, and strengthening the financial sector. On trade policy, Directors welcomed the authorities’ limited recourse to protectionist measures and encouraged them to redouble efforts to conclude the Doha round.