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Cian Allen
,
Rudolfs Bems
,
Lukas Boer
, and
Racha Moussa
US dollar appreciations can inflict sizable negative cross-border spillovers. We investigate such spillovers from flight-to-safety shocks and the accompanying “global dollar cycle”. Results show that negative real sector spillovers from US dollar appreciations fall disproportionately on emerging markets. In contrast, effects on advanced economies are small and short-lived. Emerging market commodity exporters historically experienced larger negative spillovers than commodity importers, reflecting a strong negative link between the US dollar and commodity prices. In terms of policies, more anchored inflation expectations can mitigate the initial negative spillovers while more flexible exchange rates can speed up the subsequent economic recovery.
International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
This Selected Issues paper focuses on cross-border income flows in Liechtenstein. In Liechtenstein, the gap between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Income (GNI) is significant due to the country’s economic structure as a financial center with a high percentage of cross-border commuters and globally competitive manufacturers contributing to high GDP per capita. Using currently available data, this paper examines the drivers of the GDP-GNI gap in Liechtenstein to provide a broader context of its high per capita income. The paper illustrates the importance of analyzing Liechtenstein’s economic developments through an alternate lens, given its unique structure, namely the significant presence of commuters as well as foreign investments by Liechtenstein residents. The GDP–GNI gap is among the largest among major economies and comparable in magnitude to Ireland and Luxembourg—but is more volatile. Liechtenstein’s gap is largely due to net outflows to foreign workers, and not because MNCs are domiciling operations in the country for financial reasons.
International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
The 2025 Article IV Consultation with Liechtenstein highlights that after exhibiting significant volatility in 2020-23 with the pandemic and spillovers from Russia’s war in Ukraine, growth has resumed, albeit at a low rate. The economy is recovering moderately. Gross domestic product growth is expected to gain momentum in 2025. A recovery in external demand for industrial products and services and a steady increase in financial services are expected to support growth reaching 1 percent in 2025. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. As a highly open economy, a potential regional or global slowdown or accelerated geo-economic fragmentation would adversely affect exports and impede recovery. Measures are needed to narrow skills gaps for residents and increase domestic labor supply. Preserving pension system sustainability is essential in the face of adverse demographic trends. Priorities include improving timeliness of national accounts and establishing balance of payment statistics.
International Monetary Fund. European Dept.

Liechtenstein’s pension system is structured around a three-pillar framework designed to provide a balanced, sustainable, and secure retirement income. This well-capitalized system aims to safeguard a basic income level for all employees while encouraging supplemental private savings and income.

United Nations
,
European Commission
,
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
,
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
,
United Nations Environment Programme
, and
World Bank

Abstract

The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting: Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) constitutes an integrated and comprehensive statistical framework for organizing data about habitats and landscapes, measuring the ecosystem services, tracking changes in ecosystem assets, and linking this information to economic and other human activity. The United Nations Statistical Commission adopted the SEEA Ecosystem Accounting at its 52nd session in March 2021. This adoption follows a comprehensive and inclusive process of detailed testing, consultation and revision. Today, ecosystem accounts have already been used to inform policy development in more than 34 countries.

International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
METAC assisted the Libyan Tax Authority in reviewing tax forms to enhance taxpayer data collection. The proposed data set will significantly expand existing information, improving the completeness of taxpayer records and greatly aiding the risk assessment process.
International Monetary Fund. Secretary's Department

Abstract

The experience of the global economy since the end of the pandemic has been turbulent. The 2024 IMF Annual Report highlights the IMF’s work to on global challenges, including safeguarding macroeconomic stability, returning to fiscal sustainability, bringing inflation back to targets, and embracing transformative developments. In FY 2024, the Fund continued to support its members in our three core areas: 1) Economic surveillance: 128 country health checks completed. 2) Lending: $70 billion to 30 countries, including about $15 billion to 20 low-income countries, for a total of $357 billion to 97 countries since the start of the pandemic. 3) Capacity development: $382 million for hands-on technical advice, policy-oriented training, and peer learning. The report is also available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Note: The 2024 IMF Annual Report covers the activities of the Executive Board and IMF management and staff during the financial year May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024, and in some cases more recently. Background: The Annual Report website includes the IMF’s financial statements for FY 2024 and other background documentation. The Annual Report and the financial statements are also available online at www.imfbookstore.org or www.elibrary.IMF.org

International Monetary Fund. European Dept.

IMF Country Report No. 24/180

International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
The 2024 Article IV Consultation discusses that growth is recovering gradually after slowing in 2023 in Switzerland. In order to counter risks of inflation moving to and settling at very low rates, the rate cut ahead of other central banks was appropriate. Going forward, monetary policy should remain responsive to incoming data, while taking into account international monetary policy developments. Banks have strong buffers, but vulnerabilities related to real estate persist. Ample capital buffers should be maintained, the macroprudential toolkit expanded, supply-side actions to stem pressure on the residential housing market advanced and data gaps closed. The authorities should continue to promote labor market and pension reforms to incentivize labor force participation of women, older workers, and immigrants and address labor shortages, skills gaps, and potential fiscal imbalances. The revised CO2 Act clarifies the policy framework for 2025–2030 but is less ambitious than initially proposed and might require acquiring more emissions-reduction credits from internationally. Advancing negotiations with the EU and enhancing cooperation with other key partners would mitigate uncertainty and strengthen resilience against geo-economic fragmentation risks.