International Headlines and Stories

In an update of its economic growth forecasts published in Hong Kong Thursday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to show more optimism for global economies, with the exception of France and Great Britain. The IMF has lowered its estimate of 0.1 growth in 2010 for both countries relative to expectations in April, until now +1.4% for France and 1.2% for Great Britain. Regarding the euro area, the IMF maintains its forecast for growth of 1%. Conversely, it has raised its projection for global growth in 2010 to 4.6% against 4.2% estimated in April.

The IMF draws attention to the financial sector, less and less stable, due to the rising public debt in many countries. It focuses on the risks as well, which "have greatly increased" since April.The international institution recognizes that "progress toward global financial stability have recently suffered a setback. The risks on the public debt in some part of the eurozone have materialized and extended the financial sector in the region, threatening to spread to other regions and generate a downward spiral again winning the economy. "

Reaction of central banks

In this context, the IMF estimated that some central banks may have to ease these tensions further relaxing its monetary policy. They could be forced to inject new liquidity into the economy. The question is what will be the decisions of the European Central Bank and Bank of England, who must keep their monetary policy meetings in the day. Governments are also urged to take action to support the economy.The International Monetary Fund has renewed its request for implementation of "emergency" plans "medium-term fiscal consolidation pro-growth".

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