International topics

• June 16, 2006

  Global Imbalances—Just How Dangerous?

  Bank of Canada Review - Spring 2006 Bruce Little, Robert Lafrance

  The combination of rising current account surpluses in Asia and a growing current account deficit in the United States has raised concerns that the resulting imbalances pose a threat to the world economy, especially if they are reversed in a disorderly manner. Some experts believe that normal market forces will resolve these imbalances over time; others argue that policy-makers should facilitate the adjustment with policies that curb domestic demand in deficit countries and stimulate it in surplus countries. Little and Lafrance provide a guide to the major issues and controversies involved in the debate.

  Content Type(s): Publications, Bank of Canada Review articles Topic(s): Balance of payments and components, Exchange rates, International topics

• The International Monetary Fund's Balance-Sheet and Credit Risk

  Staff Working Paper 2006-21 Ryan Felushko, Eric Santor

  The authors examine the characteristics of International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending from the 1960s to 2005.

  Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff working papers Topic(s): International topics JEL Code(s): F, F3