The previous edition of Commentary referred to a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF ) concerning the challenges presented by the emergence of global ageing societies. The trend toward ageing societies is driven mainly by a combination of declining…
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS ), a Basel, Switzerland-based international organization that fosters cooperation between central banks and other agencies in pursuit of monetary and financial stability, has recently published a 216-page report that contains valuable insights into the…
In its latest report on Global Financial Stability, the International Monetary Fund (IMF ) states that risks to the financial system have eased as the economic recovery process gains momentum. As fears of systemic crisis subside, global risk aversion has…
Asian nations are leading the recovery from the global economic and financial crisis. Compared to other areas, Asia performed relatively well in the difficult global economic environment of 2009. Decisive policy responses enabled Asia to become the first region to…
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Manag-ing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has, in recent speeches, stressed the importance of multilateralism in securing the global economic recovery and has outlined a renewed vision for the IMF in the post-crisis world. In a…
Projections by the United Nations Population Division indicate that global population will reach a peak of 9.15 billion worldwide by 2050. Over the next four decades significant demographic changes are expected that will reduce the demographic weighting of the world’s…
Singapore became an independent nation in 1965 following a six-year period as a self-governing parliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth and a prior thirteen-year period as a British colony following World War Two. It has a population of 4.84 million,…
The Royal Statistical Society celebrated its 175th anniversary year in 2009. Founded in 1834 as the Statistical Society of London, it has a history of progress and accomplishment in academic research and professional practice in the field of statistics. Celebration…
At the height of the global financial crisis we asked in Après Dégringolade, the October 2008 edition of Commentary: “Would the US dollar be able to maintain a significant role as a reserve currency? Would creditor nations continue to hold…
The current global economic and financial crisis presents many opportunities for economists to develop strategic initiatives that are designed to stimulate economic activity and accelerate the recovery process. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has developed specific proposals and action plans…