Econ Grapher

IMF - International Monetary Fund

What is the IMF?
The IMF (International Monetary Fund) was created in July 1944 with originally 45 members, its goal then was to stabilize exchange rates and assist with the reconstruction of the international payments systems, the IMF was instrumental in the stabilization of the economic system following World War II. The IMF now has 187 member countries and works toward goals such as financial stability, greater international trade, employment and sustainable economic growth, and poverty reduction. Its current role includes overseeing the global financial system, and follows closely the macroeconomic policies of its member countries (particularly those relating to currency and balance of payments). It also plays a development role, including the lending of money to mostly poorer countries. The IMF played an important role in the coordination of efforts to combat the financial crisis of 2008-09. The IMF is (similar to the OECD) a very valuable source of statistics and research, and produces high quality research outputs.

How does it relate to Markets?
The IMF plays a role in global financial and macro economic policy, thus developments in this area must be watched closely as they can impact markets. For example the IMF has been critical of China's exchange rate policy, and the impact that it has on global imbalances. The IMF also produces valuable statistics and research reports that can be utilised for macro-strategies; the IMF World Economic Outlook in particular is a strongly recommended read, given the depth of analysis and provision of forecasts and discussion of topical global macroeconomic issues.

Mission
"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world."

Sources and further reading:
IMF Website
IMF Data and Statistics
Wikipedia - IMF
Investopedia - IMF
Bretton Woods Project - IMF Profile

Graph Library:

n/a

Original Source: http://www.econgrapher.com/encyclopedia-imf.html

 Back to the Econ Grapher Encyclopedia

Bookmark and Share