From the emergency room to intensive care: the year in retrospect

BIS Annual Economic Report  | 
28 June 2010

While some emerging market economies are in danger of overheating, GDP in most advanced economies is still well below pre-crisis levels despite strong monetary and fiscal stimulus. The rapid increase of government debt raises urgent questions about the sustainability of public finances.

Banks have increased their capital buffers, and profits have been boosted by a number of temporary factors. But banks still remain vulnerable to further loan losses. As recent disruptions in funding markets have shown, banks can face significant refinancing pressures when sentiment turns adverse. Although banks in the crisis countries have made some progress in repairing their balance sheets, this process is far from complete. Efforts to restructure and strengthen the financial system should continue.