Ensuring the continuing success of the Austrian economy in the face of the ageing challenge

November 13, 2019

by Dennis Dlugosch and Rauf Gönenç, Austria Desk, OECD Economics Department Austria is a highly successful OECD economy. It has combined strong economic growth and social cohesion across all its regions over the past two decades. GDP per capita is now the 6th highest in the EU and the 11th highest in OECD, slightly above … More Ensuring the continuing success of the Austrian economy in the face of the ageing challenge

What’s beyond 65? Why Switzerland should step up retirement preparations

November 4, 2019

by Christine Lewis and Patrice Ollivaud, Switzerland Desk, OECD Economics Department The statutory retirement age in Switzerland (for men) has been age 65 since 1948 and it is currently 64 for women. Sixty-five appears to be very powerful: almost two-thirds of 60-64 year-olds are in the labour force but this plummets to less than one-quarter … More What’s beyond 65? Why Switzerland should step up retirement preparations

Hacia una Colombia más próspera e inclusiva

October 24, 2019

Paula Garda y Alberto Gonzalez Pandiella, Departamento de Economía de la OCDE Colombia ha hecho un buen progreso económico y social en las últimas décadas. La aplicación de políticas macroeconómicas sólidas, junto con una demografía y unas condiciones exteriores favorables, sustentó un crecimiento económico resiliente (Gráfica). Los niveles de vida han mejorado considerablemente y la … More Hacia una Colombia más próspera e inclusiva

Towards a more prosperous and inclusive Colombia

October 24, 2019

by Paula Garda and Alberto Gonzalez Pandiella, Colombia Desk, OECD Economics Department Colombia has made good economic and social progress over the last decades. Sound macroeconomic policies, favourable demographics and external conditions underpinned resilient economic growth (Figure). Living standards have greatly improved and poverty has declined. Yet, challenges ahead to maintain performance and boost convergence … More Towards a more prosperous and inclusive Colombia

Right here, right now: The quest for a more balanced policy mix

October 22, 2019

Laurence Boone, Chief Economist, OECD and Marco Buti, Director General, DG Economic and Financial Affairs, European Commission After years of solid growth, worldwide economic activity has slowed down sharply in 2019 while global trade has stalled. Policymakers have the difficult task of addressing the immediate policy challenges to support economic growth while also preparing our … More Right here, right now: The quest for a more balanced policy mix

Do negative interest rates in the euro area hurt bank profitability?

October 22, 2019

Jan Stráský and Hyunjeong Hwang, OECD Economics Department The recent decision of the European Central Bank (ECB) in September 2019 to lower the deposit rate from -0.4% to -0.5% triggered another round of criticisms in some countries about the negative impact of negative interest rates on banks’ profits. This debate happened despite the fact that … More Do negative interest rates in the euro area hurt bank profitability?

Growth is taking a dangerous downward turn

September 19, 2019

by Laurence Boone, OECD Chief Economist For over 18 months, since the outbreak of trade hostilities, growth has been weakening, slowly but surely. In May 2018 the OECD, along with other organisations, was predicting global growth of around 4% for 2019, whereas our current forecasts are for growth of below 3%. In the first half … More Growth is taking a dangerous downward turn

La croissance s’amenuise dangereusement

September 19, 2019

Par Laurence Boone, Cheffe économiste de l’OCDE Depuis plus de 18 mois, depuis le début des hostilités commerciales, la croissance faiblit, lentement mais sûrement. Alors qu’en mai 2018, l’OCDE comme d’autres institutions prévoyait une croissance mondiale pour 2019 proche de 4%, aujourd’hui nous estimons qu’elle sera inférieure à 3%. L’investissement mondial augmentait au rythme de … More La croissance s’amenuise dangereusement

A rapid downturn is exposing Iceland’s structural weaknesses

September 16, 2019

by Hansjörg Blöchliger, Vassiliki Koutsogeorgopoulou , Iceland Desk, OECD Economics Department Over the years Iceland caught up rapidly with the richest OECD economies. Favourable external conditions and good macroeconomic policies helped foster strong growth, low unemployment, low inflation, and sustainable public finances. Iceland is also one of the most inclusive economies in the OECD thanks … More A rapid downturn is exposing Iceland’s structural weaknesses

Is age just a number? Meeting the economic challenges of a graying world

September 11, 2019

by Dorothée Rouzet, Aida Caldera Sánchez, Theodore Renault and Oliver Roehn, OECD Economics Department How fast is the world ageing? The world is experiencing a staggering rise in the number of old people and they will live longer than even before. By 2060, the share of people older than 65 will double globally, from 9 … More Is age just a number? Meeting the economic challenges of a graying world