From convoy to parting ways? Post-crisis divergence between European and US macroeconomic policies

Abstract:
The response in 2008-09 to the global financial crisis was in many ways a high water mark for transatlantic policy coordination. The major economies of the EU and the US rapidly agreed on a series of measures to limit the crisis. However, the common approach has since unraveled. This paper explores why the ‘London consensus’ has not survived for much more than a year. In response to this situation this working paper suggests a critical quantum of coordination. Key measures include a commitment to avoiding deliberate currency depreciation and unilateral intervention; agreement to give the IMF an enhanced monitoring role; the adoption by parliaments of medium-term fiscal plans; and cooperation on the issue of Chinese undervaluation.

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