The general topic is the following: based on the attached
two International Monetary Fund documents related to the
World Economic Outlook, published in October 2020, you
are asked to select a particular country from the MENA
region or from other regions and assess its
macroeconomic performance in recent years and
comment on the forecasts of the main economic variables
for 2017-18-19-20. Use Excel graphs and eventually other
presentation tools in order to illustrate the performance
(You will find useful statistical annexes at the end of each
document).
The detailed questions to be addressed in your report are
as follows:
1. GDP growth in constant prices in recent years and
projections for 2019: first define real GDP and its growth,
then analyze and illustrate graphically the growth trend
and use relevant group or groups countries for
comparison. What is your overall conclusion for the growth
performance and prospects for the selected country?
2. Assess the unemployment situation in the selected
country: define the unemployment rate, illustrate
graphically and analyze trends in unemployment. Based
on graphical illustration, do you notice any relationship
between GDP growth and the rate of unemployment? Is
unemployment too high or too low compared to other
countries?
3. Inflation: How does the report measure inflation and
what is the meaning of the indicator? Illustrate graphically
and comment on changes in the inflation rate for the
country you have selected. Do you consider inflation to be
too high or too low in that country (by reference to relevant
comparisons). What do you think would be the risks if the
level of inflation recorded in the country persists in the
future?
4. Government budget deficit: How is the deficit measured
and what is its meaning? Illustrate graphically and assess
trends in the deficit of the country you have selected. Is
the country running large or small deficits? What are the
implications for that country's indebtedness?
5. If the selected country is an oil-exporting country, define
and analyze its price of oil breaking point and assess the
risks for the budget deficit in light of the recent drop in
world oil prices
6. Current account deficit: define and provide the meaning
of the current account deficit. Analyze changes in the
deficit for the selected country, illustrate graphically and
assess its sustainability. Based on this assessment, what
risks do you see for the country's economy?
7. Conclusion: Provide an overall assessment of the
macroeconomic performance and prospects for the
selected country.
