The increase in debt in the last decade points to the need for lowering deficits, rebuilding space to deal with shocks, and strengthening fiscal rules
The success of government interventions depends not just on how much is spent, but on spending it well.
Crime directly costs the region more than 3 percent of GDP and lowers growth. Economic instability, in turn, drives higher rates of crime. Actions can be taken to break this vicious cycle.
Affordability and other complex housing issues challenging governments can be better revealed in broader economic analysis
Improving fiscal policy frameworks, fostering education and skills, and supporting the green transition can help ensure strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth
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New accession candidates will need to undertake equally ambitious reforms to make the next expansion a comparable success
Combined measure allows for a deeper understanding of how wealth distribution affects the overall health of economies
Manufacturing has been the engine of growth in Asia, but a transition to modern, tradable services could be new source of growth and productivity
Empirical analysis points to low growth prospects as the main driver of this trend in 2023.
Read the latest insights into country and regional economic issues.
With elevated debt service squeezing the space available to finance much needed investment in many countries, urgent action is needed to boost fiscal space, maintain adequate international support, and reduce debt servicing costs.
Agreements taking shape at a faster pace are reducing uncertainty for countries and investors.
Domestic laws need updating to ensure that public obligations are transparent
AI-driven trading could lead to faster and more efficient markets, but also higher trading volumes and greater volatility in times of stress
The magazine publishes insights on international finance, economics, & development.
The AI transition will require stronger social safety nets, investment in education, and tax systems that support human workers and mitigate inequality
AI will affect almost 40 percent of jobs around the world, replacing some and complementing others. We need a careful balance of policies to tap its potential
Generative AI has introduced tantalizing new possibilities. Yet the initial excitement surrounding AI has given way to genuine and growing concerns. This issue is an early attempt to understand AI’s implications for growth, jobs, inequality, and finance.
Easing the burden on lower-income households is not only socially fair, but also economically efficient
Closing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and math would accelerate the green transition while making it more inclusive
Data Gaps Initiative helps policymakers better understand the environmental impact of economic activities and the effectiveness of climate policies
Climate Change Indicators Dashboard shows that avoiding physical damage from climate change can have sizable benefits
Investment of up to 4 percent of GDP annually is needed to ensure climate resilience and meet emissions reduction targets
International cooperation is more important than ever because no country can address climate change by itself
