IB Econ HL Section B

The World Bank and IMF are calling for support for Middle Eastern nations, arguing that higher food and oil prices, and a jobless economic recovery, will harm nations in the region. The World Bank and IMF are saying that, in the long run, lack of involvement in the Middle East will cause a downturn in the economy - and an increase in poverty.

This article examines how small business loans help empower impoverished women in Peru. Finca Peru is a microfinance institution that gives business loans primarily to women, and has been enabling new business ventures. Additionally, the article presents how a small loan can cause a big economic change within a family, and even within a community.

To help refugees return to their native countries, the United States awarded over 126 million dollars to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The aid is also to provide food, health care, and education, among other necessities.

Capital flight has greatly affected Nepal, as Nepali investors have been transferring capital outside of the country (19 billion and counting).

Egyptian officials are set to stand trial for corruption and other crimes committed during their terms in office.

This interview examines income inequality in the United States. Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist with Duke University, argues that Americans have become tolerant of the income inequality in the U.S., and that most people do not realize how great the difference in income is between wealthy and impoverished Americans.

As food prices rise in the world, more people become impoverished. Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank, argues that inflation in food prices is the greatest threat to people living in poverty. Zoellick also criticizes export bans that lift costs for foreign consumers, as the bans put additional strain on local food prices in impoverished nations.

This article considers deteriorating terms of trade in Chile, and examines the current value of exports and currency.

The currency in Belarus may soon devaluate, and the nation is set to adjust its exchange rate. While Belarus is struggling financially, some officials argue that devaluation of the currency is not the best solution to the problem.

China's trade partners are asking for a stronger currency to help with trade imbalances. China, however, says it will adjust its currency policy if it the yuan's appreciation is contributing to the nation's trade deficit.

China stated that the appreciation of Yuan will not solve trade imbalance with United States. China have continued to execute monetary policy to curb its inflationary pressure.

While Chinese officials said they will take measures to solve trade imbalances between the United States and China, they also said that the appreciation of the Yuan will not solve trade imbalance.

International Monetary Fund has agreed to provide aid for Portugal who is experiencing a sovereign debt crisis.

Bangkok is now initiating a micro-finance scheme to make automobile and motorcycles more convenient and accessible to the average citizen.

This article is about the World Bank approving a water quality and sanitation project in Argentina. The World Bank finances many development projects around the globe. This one will improve health, one source of development.

Japan may need up to five years to rebuild from the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that has caused up to $235bn (£145bn) of damage, the World Bank said in a report.

Paul D. Wolfowitz, ends a furor over favoritism that blew up into a global fight over American leadership, announced his resignation as president of the World Bank Thursday evening after the bank's board accepted his claim that his mistakes at the bank were made in good faith.

This article is about an IMF loan to Iraq, and about the specific conditions under which the loan is disbursed. There is reference made to SAP.

This article points out some arguments for why microfinance may not be an effective development strategy.

This article is about the distinction between microfinance institutions and commercial banking. The regulations applying to banks could make microfinance more difficult.

A Peruvian widow borrowed $64 and bought a few pigs. For $55, a villager in Ghana went into the mineral-water trade. A mother of nine in Guatemala upgraded her grocery store with $250