Country Report
Panama's economy continues to rank among the world's fastest growing economies. In order to save future Panama Canal revenues, a sovereign wealth fund has been established, which could strengthen public finances in the long-term.
Country Report
The Spanish government is seriously tackling its financial and economic issues. But the country is currently in a perfect storm of recession, missed budget deficit targets, rising government debt and rising opposition to government policies.
Country Report
Although Portugal has been very successful in abiding by the conditions of the IMF/EC/ECB troika and therefore has received official financial assistance without delay, the economic and financial situation remains very precarious and uncertain.
Country Report
Italy is taking significant steps to reduce the budget deficit and reform the economy. But the former is being undermined by the return of recession while on the reform front much still needs to be done.
Country Report
Economic stabilisation and restructuring and recapitalisation of the banking sector have pushed government bond yields for Ireland below those of Italy. But uncertainty remains high, with the economic recovery still far from complete.
Country Report
Slovenia is currently experiencing a double-dip recession as a result of fiscal consolidation and banking sector problems. Implementation of the necessary reform plans is still at risk, as pressure from the public and trade unions remains high.
Country Report
After years of congressional gridlock, Mexico's newly-elected president Enrique Pe?a Nieto has presented a comprehensive structural reform package. While the reforms look promising, he will likely face protracted negotiations with the opposition.
Country Report
Following its very deep recession in 2008/10, Latvia currently belongs to the fastest-growing EU member states. Thanks to its successful austerity strategy and low inflation, the country could join the euro area in 2014.
Special
How do businesses fund their growth in the coming years? We conclude that large companies fund themselves to a significant extent with equity, whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) depend mainly on bank lending for their funding.
Special
The outlook for economic growth in Russia and the CIS region for 2013 is mostly unchanged from our 2012 estimates. We discuss the economic policy options to boost economic growth next year. However the uncertain global economic backdrop poses a risk.
Special
The revolution that shook the Arab world in 2011, continues to affect the region's economic performance and political stability. In addition, the region is sensitive to the ongoing crisis in the eurozone and slowing growth in the rest of the world.
Special
While a more challenging external environment has contributed to somewhat slower economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2012, earlier overheating and inflation pressures have abated in most countries.
Special
Weakened external demand and only limited growth supporting policies from the Chinese government were the main factors explaining China's slowing growth rate in the first three quarters of 2012. Growth is expected to accelerate this year and in 2013.
Special
In 2013, global economic growth is expected to be 3?%, with growth estimated to remain subdued in the US (1?%), the eurozone (?%) and Japan (1%). China's economy is expected to grow by between 7?% and 8?%.
Special
Sub-Saharan Africa has grown rapidly over the past decade. Despite the global financial crisis of 2008-09, Sub-Saharan Africa has grown at an average of 4.7% between 2000-2010 and might experience accelerated growth relative to the past few years.