World Bank Report cuts global growth forecast to 2.4%

The World Bank in its report on global economic prospects has cut global growth forecast to 2.4% in 2016 and at 2.8% in 2017.
The growth rate was lower than its earlier forecast of 2.9% and 3.1% respectively, mainly on account of a slower than expected recovery in advanced economies.
Other Highlights of Report

• The cut in global forecast was due to mediocre growth experienced by advanced economies, while low commodity prices, weak global trade and stilted capital flows also impacted.
• India will remain one of the fastest growing major economies, ahead of China, for the next three years.
• India’s growth projections have been marginally lowered by 0.2% to 7.6% for 2016-17 and 7.7% in 2017-18 due to downfall of exports.
• India has benefitted from the fall in oil prices through a reduction in the import bill, but its exports also have shrunk for 17 consecutive months as of April 2016.
• India’s domestic risks such as slow progress in structural reform agenda including power sector reforms, land reforms and tax reforms and vulnerabilities in corporate and banking sector balance sheets could impact the economy.
• Global slowdown and fall in commodity prices have shrunk world trade projections. China’s growth projections are at 6.7% and 6.5% for 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016