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I.M.F. to Lower Global Outlook as Recession Risks Rise I.M.F. to Lower Global Outlook as Recession Risks Rise
(about 2 hours later)
WASHINGTON — The head of International Monetary Fund warned on Thursday that recession risks across the globe are rising as a toxic mix of inflation, higher borrowing costs and lingering supply chain disruptions continue to batter the global economy.WASHINGTON — The head of International Monetary Fund warned on Thursday that recession risks across the globe are rising as a toxic mix of inflation, higher borrowing costs and lingering supply chain disruptions continue to batter the global economy.
Kristalina Georgieva, the leader of the I.M.F., said that as a result of these persistent problems, the international body would downgrade its growth projections for next year in an upcoming report, one that she said would paint a dark picture of the looming economic threats. The assessment is the latest example of how last year’s optimism for a strong global recovery has been replaced by worries about rapid inflation, Russia’s war in Ukraine and an ongoing pandemic.Kristalina Georgieva, the leader of the I.M.F., said that as a result of these persistent problems, the international body would downgrade its growth projections for next year in an upcoming report, one that she said would paint a dark picture of the looming economic threats. The assessment is the latest example of how last year’s optimism for a strong global recovery has been replaced by worries about rapid inflation, Russia’s war in Ukraine and an ongoing pandemic.
“Multiple shocks, among them a senseless war, changed the economic picture completely,” Ms. Georgieva, the I.M.F.’s managing director, said in remarks prepared for a speech at Georgetown University. “Far from being transitory, inflation has become more persistent.”“Multiple shocks, among them a senseless war, changed the economic picture completely,” Ms. Georgieva, the I.M.F.’s managing director, said in remarks prepared for a speech at Georgetown University. “Far from being transitory, inflation has become more persistent.”
The I.M.F. has been steadily downgrading its forecasts in recent months and currently projects global output to grow by 2.9 percent next year. That projection will be lowered when the fund releases its closely watched World Economic Outlook report next Tuesday as the annual meetings of the I.M.F. and World Bank begin in Washington.The I.M.F. has been steadily downgrading its forecasts in recent months and currently projects global output to grow by 2.9 percent next year. That projection will be lowered when the fund releases its closely watched World Economic Outlook report next Tuesday as the annual meetings of the I.M.F. and World Bank begin in Washington.
Policymakers who will be attending the meetings will be working to better coordinate their responses to inflation pressures and recession risks while preparing for the repercussions of higher interest rates.
“For major economies facing high inflation, the immediate task is to return to an environment of stable prices,” Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen said in a speech at the Center for Global Development on Thursday. “But it is important to recognize that macroeconomic tightening in advanced countries can have international spillovers.”
Ms. Yellen added that the I.M.F. and multilateral development banks need to be ready to assist developing economies if debt crises emerge and suggested that many emerging markets will require “considerable debt relief.”
The I.M.F. now estimates that countries accounting for about a third of the world economy will experience at least two consecutive quarters of contraction in 2022 or 2023.The I.M.F. now estimates that countries accounting for about a third of the world economy will experience at least two consecutive quarters of contraction in 2022 or 2023.
“Even when growth is positive, it will feel like a recession because of shrinking real incomes and rising prices,” Ms. Georgieva said.“Even when growth is positive, it will feel like a recession because of shrinking real incomes and rising prices,” Ms. Georgieva said.
In her speech, Ms. Georgieva painted a grim portrait of the world’s economic predicament. She noted that Europe is feeling the pain of a reduction of Russian gas supplies, China’s property market is facing a deepening downturn and the United States economy is losing momentum as inflation and rising interest rates spook consumers and stall investment.In her speech, Ms. Georgieva painted a grim portrait of the world’s economic predicament. She noted that Europe is feeling the pain of a reduction of Russian gas supplies, China’s property market is facing a deepening downturn and the United States economy is losing momentum as inflation and rising interest rates spook consumers and stall investment.
Emerging markets and developing economies are even more poorly positioned to confront higher food and energy prices, particularly as demand for their exports dwindle.Emerging markets and developing economies are even more poorly positioned to confront higher food and energy prices, particularly as demand for their exports dwindle.
Last year’s hopes that vaccines and supply chain fixes would keep the economy humming have been overtaken by worries about new economic shocks and financial stability risks.Last year’s hopes that vaccines and supply chain fixes would keep the economy humming have been overtaken by worries about new economic shocks and financial stability risks.
“Overall, we expect a global output loss of about $4 trillion between now and 2026. This is the size of the German economy — a massive setback for the world economy,” Ms. Georgieva said.“Overall, we expect a global output loss of about $4 trillion between now and 2026. This is the size of the German economy — a massive setback for the world economy,” Ms. Georgieva said.
She added: “And it is more likely to get worse than to get better.”She added: “And it is more likely to get worse than to get better.”