www.CostaRicaTicas.com

here is a story with quotes from various IMF and CR Ministers.....one topic mentions SBA program (Stand By Arrangement) loans or Nonconcessional loans.

Now, I have no formal training in macro economies and the like, but I know some of our membership has at least an exposure to such.....anyway, what say anyone of this article in today's InsideCR paper?





IMF: "Economic Recovery In Costa Rica Is Firmly Underway"

A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Costa Rica during April 7–13, 2010 to conduct the third and final review of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) approved in April 2009. The mission met with Finance Minister Jenny Phillips, Central Bank Governor Francisco de Paula Gutiérrez, other senior officials, and representatives of the financial sector.

After the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Marco Piñón, the IMF mission chief for Costa Rica, made the following statement:

“The economic recovery in Costa Rica is firmly underway. Economic growth rose in the second half of 2009 and remained strong in the first quarter of 2010. Consumer and business sentiment have firmed up and financial conditions have continued to improve. Adjustments in administered prices have pushed inflation to 5.8 percent in March, compared to 4 percent at end-2009, but underlying inflation has remained stable close to 4 percent. Overall, the rebound in activity has been stronger than originally anticipated.

“The economic outlook has also improved since the previous review in December 2009. The projection for output growth in 2010 has been revised to 3.8 percent (1.5 percentage points higher than before). Inflation is expected to be close to the upper end of the central bank’s target band of 4–6 percent in 2010.

“Performance under the precautionary SBA with the Fund has continued to be very strong, as the authorities met all quantitative performance criteria for end-December 2009 and preliminary data suggest that the end-March targets were also met.

“Overall, the authorities’ policy response to the crisis, supported by Fund’s SBA, has proved effective. The government’s strategy to shield the economy from external shocks with external resources, which in the event were not used, helped preserve confidence, maintain stability, and protect the most vulnerable groups. A supportive fiscal policy has provided a boost to the recovery and a cautious monetary policy has allowed inflation to move to low levels.

“The mission expects that the IMF Executive Board will consider the third and final review of the SBA in late-May 2010. The authorities have indicated that they will continue to treat the SBA as precautionary.”

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Here's a link for those interested in what the IMF and World Bank are really all about.

http://www.economichitman.com/

I trust the IMF and World Bank as much as I trust the taxi drivers parked in front of the Del Rey.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis