IMF Meetings

‘It’s a twilight zone’: Iran war casts deep shadows over IMF gathering in Washington Rachel Reeves joins global finance chiefs in highlighting how households and businesses are feeling the pain of higher energy prices Middle East crisis live: latest news updates Richard Partington in Washington Sat 18 Apr 2026 00.00 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The most severe energy shock since the 1970s, the risk of a global recession and households everywhere stomaching a renewed surge in the cost of living – hitting the most vulnerable ...

The European Central Bank should lift its key interest rate twice this year to combat an energy-driven inflation surge, but should then reverse these moves in 2027, the International Monetary Fund’s European Department chief said on Friday. “Under our reference scenario, we would expect the ECB to raise rates by about 50 basis points in 2026 in order to maintain a neutral monetary stance,” Alfred Kammer, the head of the IMF’s European Department, told Reuters. “Then, in 2027, rates could come down again. If you want to keep the real ...

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned Wednesday of difficult times ahead for the global economy if war in the Middle East is unresolved and oil prices stay high, adding that inflation risks could seep into food prices. “We must brace for tough times ahead” if the conflict persists, she told reporters at a press briefing during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank’s spring meetings in Washington. The gathering brings government and financial leaders to the US capital this week, with policymakers looking to limit economic ...

Despite major trade disruptions and policy uncertainty, last year ended on an upbeat note. The private sector adapted to a changing business environment, while powerful offsets came from lower US tariffs than originally announced, some fiscal support, and favorable financial conditions coupled with strong productivity gains and a tech boom. Despite some downside risks, the momentum was expected to carry over into 2026, lifting the pre-conflict global growth forecast to 3.4 percent. War in the Middle East has halted this momentum. The ...

ECB President Christine Lagarde speaks with Bloomberg's Francine Lacqua about Europe's economic challenges - from the Iran war and energy prices to monetary policy expectations - alongside EU competitiveness and navigating uncertainty. The conversation takes place at Bloomberg's Washington, DC bureau starting at 10 am ET on April 14 as world leaders gather for the IMF Spring Meetings.