After the pandemic, inflation surged globally, prompting urgent responses from central banks. The economic fallout and rapid rebound forced many to weigh the costs of tightening policy too soon against the risks of affecting the economic recovery that many economies were experiencing. While responses varied, many central banks in Latin America and the Caribbean acted swiftly, … [Read more...] about Personal Experiences Shape Inflation Expectations
How Employment Narratives Shape Public Support for Trade
International trade is often hailed as a driver of economic growth and consumer welfare. Yet, despite its economy-wide benefits, it remains divisive and politically contentious - especially when it comes to employment. Part of this dynamic has to do with the fact that trade helps firms which are export-oriented but hurts firms that compete with imports. Given that people are … [Read more...] about How Employment Narratives Shape Public Support for Trade
Measuring Air Quality Better in Developing Countries
Low and middle-income countries are home to about 80% of the people in the world exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, with its numerous deleterious effects, including disease and mortality and diminished cognitive performance, labor supply and productivity. Yet those countries often lack the resources to accurately measure air pollution and determine how policies might … [Read more...] about Measuring Air Quality Better in Developing Countries
Regional Opportunities Amid Global Shifts
Latin America and the Caribbean can look back on the economic management of the post-pandemic period with some pride. Central banks acted decisively, raising interest rates before other regions and successfully curbing inflation faster. Fiscal balances were consolidated, contributing to lower sovereign debt spreads. Financial markets showed they could withstand shifts in global … [Read more...] about Regional Opportunities Amid Global Shifts
Inclusive Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Necessary Revolution
Over the last two decades, all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), committing themselves (in Article 25) to ensure the right without discrimination to health care for people with disabilities. Many countries in the region have also passed national laws reinforcing that … [Read more...] about Inclusive Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Necessary Revolution