IMF boss with comments out earlier in Handelsblatt and reported by Reuters
- low productivity, ageing populations and the effects of the global financial crisis were putting the brakes on growth, which has weakened the medium-term prospects
- growth in global trade has slowed considerably
- decline in raw material prices is posing problems for economy-dependent countries
- financial risks are rising in emerging markets
- loose monetary policy needed for most highly developed economies except the USA and possibly Britain but all countries in this category should comprehensively factor spillover effects into their decision making
"In many countries the financial sector still has weaknesses and in emerging markets the financial risks are increasing. All of that means global growth will be disappointing and uneven in 2016"
Earlier in December I posted IMF comments recommending that UK interest rates should remain on hold
No prizes for guessing that I share the IMF view and Lagarde's less than optimistic global view as we head into 2016. Thoughts I have printed here on many occasions during 2015 and prior
I'm away again now so I'll wish you a all a good day. See you back here tomorrow
IMF's Lagarde - Understandably not so bullish as we head into 2016
