International Monetary Fund

Egypt's bond risk has dropped to its lowest level since 2014, reflecting easing debt distress over the past decade. This improvement is attributed to record foreign-currency reserves and a vote of confidence provided by the International Monetary Fund.

Sri Lanka is working to reduce its dependence on foreign borrowing and short-term bills by raising money domestically through longer-term bonds. Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando stated that these measures aim to make the nation's debt more sustainable under an International Monetary Fund program.

Gabon has emerged as a leading performer in emerging sovereign bond markets, driven by investor optimism that an International Monetary Fund program will prevent a debt restructuring.

Gabon's public debt is projected to rise from 70.9% of GDP in 2024 to 94.3% in 2027, according to IMF estimates. The increase is attributed to a $920m Eurobond issuance, with debt ratios expected to reach 78.9% in 2025 and 86.1% in 2026.

The yen surged amid speculation of renewed intervention by Japanese authorities and U.S. support, following coordinated market action last week. Traders and analysts noted signs of intervention, with officials from Japan and the U.S. collaborating to stabilize the yen, which had previously weakened to near 1986 lows. The intervention reversed months of losses in two days, though concerns remain about long-term effectiveness.

A ceasefire between the US and Iran aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz initially brought relief to Asian economies reliant on Gulf oil, but hostilities resumed, expanding the war to involve regional actors, militias, and critical waterways like the Red Sea and Caspian Sea. The conflict's escalation has prompted a 14-nation maritime alliance led by Saudi Arabia and drawn warnings from global institutions like the IMF and World Bank about its economic and energy security impacts.

Honduras completed a liability management operation in July 2026, buying back its 2027 notes and issuing a new 10-year bond. The transaction coincided with a significant IMF disbursement.

Pakistan has requested a $10 billion Exchange Stabilisation Support Facility from the US Treasury to address external financing pressures, including foreign exchange reserves and debt obligations. The US Treasury’s Exchange Stabilisation Fund has historically supported economies like Mexico and Argentina. An IMF economist noted the facility could provide liquidity but emphasized the need for structural reforms.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Uruguay's macroeconomic and institutional strength but urged authorities to take greater risks to convert stability into growth. The comments were made during her visit to Montevideo.

Strategists analyzing Japan's potential actions on the yen are examining the International Monetary Fund's technical guidelines for insights. The focus is on deciphering Japan's next move through IMF-related cues.

The government may reintroduce targeted fuel subsidies if Gulf tensions persist, while maintaining its plan to deregulate petroleum pricing. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik defended a transparent daily pricing mechanism to shield consumers from price shocks, as a Senate panel directed Ogra to address dealers' concerns.

Egypt unlocked about $1.8 billion in financing after completing the penultimate review of its expanded International Monetary Fund program.

The S&P 500 declined from a record high as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced its 2026 global growth projection to 3.0% and warned of accelerating inflation. The report, titled 'Global Economy Briefing — July 30, 2026,' was first published by The Rio Times.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Montevideo for talks with President Yamandú Orsi and senior economic officials at the invitation of the Uruguayan government.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the first review of Zimbabwe's 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP), projecting continued single-digit inflation while warning that economic risks remain.

The power division attributed a Rs61 billion increase in power sector circular debt to the Ministry of Finance, citing a Rs98 billion budget deduction. Despite this, the division highlighted a reduction in power distribution company losses from Rs591 billion in FY24 to Rs326 billion in FY25, attributing progress to sector reforms.

The Financial Stability Board's secretary-general warns of a potential AI investment bubble similar to the dotcom boom and 2008 crisis, citing concentrated financial bets in tech companies and risks of a market correction. AI-related companies have gained $27 trillion in market value since November 2022, with concerns growing over profitability and sustainability.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Argentine President Javier Milei’s austerity policies for restoring market confidence and improving Argentina’s economic outlook. The country faces key debt repayment periods starting in 2024 and 2027, with the IMF expressing confidence in Argentina’s ability to meet obligations.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Argentina's economic reforms under President Javier Milei, stating the country is better positioned to meet its debt obligations. Argentina's economic outlook has improved with reduced inflation, rising bond prices, and credit rating upgrades, though significant repayment challenges remain in 2027.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Argentina's improved economic position under President Javier Milei, citing restored market confidence and progress on debt obligations. Argentina faces key repayments starting next year, with inflation dropping to 33% and credit ratings upgraded by major agencies.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Argentina's improved position to meet debt obligations under President Javier Milei during a visit to Buenos Aires. She commended Milei's austerity policies as a factor in this improved standing.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Argentina's economic reforms under President Javier Milei, stating the country is better positioned to meet its debt obligations. Argentina faces key repayment periods starting next year, with improved economic indicators like reduced inflation and upgraded credit ratings. Georgieva highlighted restored market confidence and plans to visit Vaca Muerta, a major oil and gas reserve.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised Argentina's economic program during her visit to Buenos Aires, stating the country is in a strong position and does not need additional IMF financing next year when presidential elections are due.

A Pakistani think tank reports that rising inflation and fiscal pressures, driven by geopolitical issues and government borrowing from the banking sector, are stalling the country’s macroeconomic recovery. The report highlights 80.8% of the labor force working in the informal sector and urges a policy shift from IMF-mandated stabilization to economic freedom frameworks.

Simon Johnson, a professor at MIT and Nobel Prize winner in economics, was appointed chair of the UK's new AI Economics Institute. He discussed AI-related topics at the UBS Asian Investment Conference in Hong Kong.

Tunisia's democratic experiment faced a dramatic reversal on 25 July 2021, as President Kais Saied moved toward one-man rule. Protests erupted nationwide over political stagnation, economic struggles, and pandemic-related crises, with tensions directed at Ennahda, the largest parliamentary party.

Simon Johnson, a professor at MIT and Nobel economics laureate, was appointed chair of the UK's AI Economics Institute. He discussed AI risks and other topics at the UBS Asian Investment Conference in Hong Kong.

The World Bank estimates that twin earthquakes in northern Venezuela on June 24 caused $19.6 billion in direct physical damage, equivalent to 18% of the country's GDP according to IMF data.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with IMF officials to review Pakistan's macroeconomic performance under the Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility, highlighting improved fiscal and external balances, revenue targets, and stronger foreign exchange reserves. He also discussed economic cooperation with the US Export-Import Bank, focusing on trade and project financing.

The IMF reports that AI could boost Sub-Saharan Africa's economic output by 4% over the next decade, but this requires significant investments in electricity, internet connectivity, and digital skills. The analysis highlights infrastructure and skill development as critical enablers for AI adoption in the region.

S&P Global Ratings upgraded Pakistan's long-term sovereign credit rating to 'B' from 'B-', citing improved external position and macroeconomic stabilization. The upgrade is linked to IMF reforms, increased foreign reserves, and a stable political environment.

Africa's data center growth requires power sector reforms to attract private investors and meet AI's energy demands. The continent hosts only 160 data centers, aging grids hinder expansion, and 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack electricity access. The IMF warns that without improved power and digital infrastructure, AI's economic benefits for Africa will be minimal.

The AI-driven stock market boom has led to a $27 trillion increase in AI-linked firm valuations, raising concerns about a potential bubble. Market watchers warn of risks to financial stability, with entities like Goldman Sachs, the International Monetary Fund, and Sam Altman highlighting over-optimism and structural differences from past bubbles.

The 2026 Iran war initially caused the Strait of Hormuz to close, cutting 15 million barrels of oil per day from global circulation and prompting fears of a severe energy crisis. However, emergency measures like strategic reserve releases, increased production, and energy conservation helped avert predicted shortages and recessions, though oil prices remained elevated and some regional shortages persisted.

The International Monetary Fund approved $690 million in financing for Ukraine following a review of its financial arrangement. This allows immediate access to funds as the Fund completed the necessary board review.

Pakistan is establishing its first Strategic Petroleum Reserves to mitigate energy supply risks from Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. The government plans a 45-day emergency oil buffer and a long-term 90-day reserve, while seeking a $6.7 billion oil facility from Saudi Arabia and promoting the Pakistan Maritime Energy City at Gwadar Port with Gulf cooperation.

The U.K. is set to appoint Andy Burnham as prime minister, but bond markets remain hyper-reactive due to a 2022 fiscal crisis triggered by unfunded spending and tax cuts under a previous administration. An IMF report highlights the U.K.'s vulnerability to volatile capital flows and foreign investor influence, with global factors accounting for 60%-90% of yield variations. Burnham faces pressure to balance economic revival with bond market demands, as analysts warn of ongoing risks from 'bond vigilantes.'

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is on a three-day visit to Washington to discuss trade, finance, and investment with US officials. Talks will focus on a bilateral economic partnership, tariff reductions, and financing for infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan.

The death toll from Venezuela's June 24 earthquakes has surpassed 5,000, with volunteers and relatives searching for victims in Caraballeda. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released funds in response to the disaster.

More than 5,000 people were killed in twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, with the coastal state of La Guaira being severely affected. The country will use $346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for reconstruction efforts.