“Oil is at a negative price, -US$37 a barrel.” Those were the headlines on April 20. A negative price for oil? That makes no sense many friends told me. To understand this, let’s take a few steps back. There are two standard prices for the global oil market. In the United States, a futures market on a blend known as WTI (or West Texas Intermediate) is an important reference … [Read more...] about Negative Oil: What Is behind the Negative Oil Price?
What Can Central Banks Do to Mitigate the Effects of the Coronavirus?
The unprecedented conditions created by the spread of the coronavirus call for exceptional policy responses from the regional monetary authorities. Besides traditional tools such as interest rate reductions, central banks have been pursuing unconventional measures to avoid permanent consequences from a transitory, but potentially severe, negative shock. Since the 2008 global … [Read more...] about What Can Central Banks Do to Mitigate the Effects of the Coronavirus?
Policies and Projections for Latin America and the Caribbean in the Time of Covid-19
The novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, Covid-19, have imposed severe human and economic costs around the world. Cases are growing in Latin America and the Caribbean and if there is one lesson from other countries it is that early action to stop the spread of the virus is key. A recent analysis suggests that there would have been around 3.3 million deaths in the region … [Read more...] about Policies and Projections for Latin America and the Caribbean in the Time of Covid-19
Towards Inclusive Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
As 2019 draws to a close, Latin America and the Caribbean faces at least four big challenges. First, growth this year is well below potential. Second, potential growth is low. Third, the region remains subject to large shocks. And fourth, despite recent gains, inequality remains high and aspirations are outstripping the meagre outlook, contributing to protests across the region … [Read more...] about Towards Inclusive Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
Basel III and Financial Reforms: What Should Emerging Economies Do?
The 1988 Basel I Accord created a level playing field for international banks in terms of a minimum recommended amount of capital.[1]It was probably the most successful financial standard ever conceived. More than 100 countries claimed to have implemented the agreement, and in many countries it was applied to all banks. Basel II was agreed upon in 2004. Many of its 216 pages … [Read more...] about Basel III and Financial Reforms: What Should Emerging Economies Do?