2 Big questions for a souring global economy

The Wall Street Journal with “2 Big questions” for a souring global economy in the wake of the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook

1. Can the U.S. really do better while the rest of the world does worse?

• Perhaps. The United States relies less on exports than many other big economies … is enjoying a welcome strengthening of domestic demand … the chances of any significant fiscal tightening from Washington are very low
• But the risks are nearly all to the downside: The worse the rest of the world does, the more likely it is that 2015 will be another disappointing one for the U.S.

2. Can global economic policymakers provide enough of a jolt to make a difference?

• They remain unable to get the world economy growing fast enough
• The IMF repeats its now-familiar advice: With inflation so low, monetary policy must stay easy and (nudge, nudge, European Central Bank) must turn to unconventional policies when zero interest rates aren’t enough.

More at the (ungated) article: The IMF’s Downgrade and 2 Big Questions for a Souring Global Economy