Connect with IMF Institute

Public Debt Dynamics Under Uncertainty (DDUx)

DDUx

This online course, presented jointly by the Institute for Capacity Development and the Fiscal Affairs Department, provides an overview of how to assess public debt dynamics under uncertainty. The course discusses how to think about public debt projections when we acknowledge uncertainty about the key variables underlying debt projections (GDP growth, interest and exchange rates, and primary balances).

This one-module course will allow you to produce and interpret fan charts (graphical tools used to describe uncertainty about the evolution of a variable over time). The course will also present the concepts of maximum debt limit (level of debt  beyond which there could be significant negative consequences for the economy) and safe debt (a level of debt sufficiently below the debt limit to provide a comfortable and prudent buffer). The course explains how to use fan charts to derive a safe level of debt and how to assess fiscal risks. 

Read More Topic : Fiscal Policy

    Target Audience

    All government officials are welcome to register. This course is particularly useful for officials from ministries of finance, debt agencies, central banks, and other government agencies responsible for providing advice or implementing macroeconomic and debt policies.

    Back to top

    Qualifications

    Some knowledge of economics would be helpful. Basic Microsoft Excel skills and access to a computer with a reliable internet connection and a Google Chrome web browser are essential.

    Back to top

    Course Objectives

    Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

    • Explain what a fan chart of debt is.
    • Interpret a fan chart to identify risks to public debt dynamics.
    • Understand how to produce fan charts through simple Monte Carlo simulations.
    • Understand how to produce fan charts using VAR models and fiscal reaction functions.
    • Understand the concept of safe debt and maximum debt limit.
    • Evaluate debt dynamics under uncertainty.
    Back to top

    Upcoming Offering

    Start date End date Location Delivery Method Session No. Primary & (Interpretation) language Apply
    May 1, 2024 April 15, 2025 Course conducted online Online Training OL 24.146 English Apply online by April 1, 2025
    Back to top

    Apply Now - Application deadline approaching:

    IMF offers online training to government officials and the public. Click Learn more to find our current offerings.

    Institutional Sector Accounts (ISA)

    English | December 9-13, 2024 | In-person Training | New Delhi, India

    Apply online by November 5, 2024

    Central Bank Digital Currency - Initial Considerations (CBDC)

    English (Arabic) | January 5-9, 2025 | In-person Training | Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Apply online by November 7, 2024

    Macroeconomic Policy Communication Blended

    English (English) | January 20-24, 2025 | Blended Training | Singapore, Singapore

    Apply online by November 8, 2024

    Strengthening Revenue Administration for Gender Equality

    English | December 9-11, 2024 | In-person Training | New Delhi, India

    Apply online by November 9, 2024

    Government Finance Statistics - Advanced (GFS-A)

    English | February 10-21, 2025 | In-person Training | Singapore, Singapore

    Apply online by November 10, 2024