IMF Says Global Financial Stability Has Continued to Improve

Global financial stability has continued to improve, according to a new report from the International Monetary Fund.
But the IMF warns there are risks ahead nonetheless.

There is political and policy uncertainty around the globe, particularly in the United States and Europe.
There is also a warning from the IMF about rising debt levels in China.

One of the key elements underpinning this judgement that financial stability has improved is the stronger overall economic outlook that the IMF described 24 hours earlier.

Stronger economic growth means that households, businesses and governments have more income to maintain the payments on their debts. It tends to reduce the danger of debt defaults which can do widespread damage to banks.

Long term interest rates have risen in many countries, boosting the earnings of banks and insurance companies.

Some risks in emerging markets have fallen as the prices of the commodities some of them produce, such as oil, have partly recovered from recent lows. Many banks in these countries have strengthened their financial foundations.

So, sighs of relief all round? Can we finally relax? Have the dark clouds of the crisis of 2008 finally gone?

Only up to a point. The report does identify some risks to financial stability.

via BBC

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