Germany: 2018 Article IV Consultation – Press Release; Staff Report and Statement by the Executive Director for Germany

July 4, 2018

Preview Citation

Format: Chicago

Germany: 2018 Article IV Consultation – Press Release; Staff Report and Statement by the Executive Director for Germany, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2018) accessed December 22, 2024

Summary

The Germany economy has performed very well in recent years, supported by prudent economic management and past structural reforms. Growth is robust, employment is rising, and the unemployment rate has fallen to levels not seen in decades. Inflation remains low but wage growth is picking up, reflecting the strength of the labor market. Looking beyond these positive cyclical developments, unfavorable demographics will soon weigh on potential growth and put pressure on public finances. Having already accumulated sizable buffers through savings, Germany should now prioritize domestic investment in physical and human capital to prepare for the future. The new government's coalition agreement contains several welcome measures in this direction, but more forceful actions to boost labor supply and increase labor productivity would help stimulate domestic investment and reduce Germany’s large current account surplus.

Subject: Banking, Commercial banks, Cooperative banks, Expenditure, Financial institutions, Fiscal stance, Production, Productivity, Public debt, Public investment and public-private partnerships (PPP)

Keywords: Commercial banks, Cooperative banks, Core inflation, CR, Current account, Europe, Global, Government, Housing sector, IMF staff calculation, Interest rate, Interest rate environment, ISCR, Labor market participation, Productivity, Public investment and public-private partnerships (PPP), Staff, Surplus

Publication Details

Pages:

106
Volume:

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DOI:

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Issue:

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Series:

Country Report No. 2018/208
Stock No:

1DEUEA2018001
ISBN:

9781484366158
ISSN:

1934-7685

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