Global current account balances widened by 0.6% of world GDP in 2024—a notable reversal of the post-pandemic narrowing. The latest External Sector Report finds that two-thirds of this widening reflects excess imbalances in major economies.

AI can increase productivity, boost economic growth, and lift incomes. But it also may threaten employment and widen inequality. Watch this video to learn about the impact of AI on the global economy.

More than half of sub-Saharan Africa’s population lives in fragile and conflict-affected states. Spurring economic growth calls for enhancing institutions, improving governance, strengthening public engagement, and diversifying economies.

Seychelles’ path to continued economic growth and resilience calls for infrastructure investment, human capital development, greater public services efficiency, financial sector deepening and inclusion. Learn more at IMF Country Focus.

Chile’s economy has slowed considerably since the 1990s, when it was growing at over 6% per year. Today, growth is closer to 2%. Our new Country Focus explores the reasons behind this slowdown and how the country can improve its growth prospects.

The IMF concluded El Salvador’s 2025 Article IV consultation and completed the first review of the EFF arrangement. Program performance has been solid, and macroeconomic imbalances are being addressed.

Global shocks have weighed heaviest on low-income countries and fragile states. Support should focus on grants and concessional loans for the poorest and fragile countries, and on help attracting private investment for more advanced low-income countries.

Macao’s 20-pataca notes tell two stories through two banks—one of maritime heritage, the other of cultural celebration. Read more in F&D magazine’s Currency Notes:

📢 Call for papers for the 13th IMF #StatsForum: Measuring Cross-Border Economic and Financial Linkages in a Dynamic World. Topics include global value chains, e-commerce and financial innovation: 📅 Deadline to submit: July 13, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s economy has shown resilience to shocks w/ non-oil economic activities expanding, inflation contained & unemployment at record-lows. Fiscal and external buffers are ample, providing cushion against lower oil proceeds.