IMF: growth slowing

Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, warned that the global economy may be slowing more than previously thought and said there were “glimpses of more sombre trends.”

In April the IMF projected the global economy would grow 3.3% in 2013, while also noting the recovery was “fragile and uneven.”

The phrase “fragile and uneven”—used by the IMF alongside its 3.3% growth projection—means the recovery may be vulnerable to setbacks and that growth is not consistent across countries or regions.

The article reports the IMF’s observation of ‘sombre trends,’ which indicates rising downside risks to global growth. For investors, that means staying informed about updates to official forecasts and being aware that forecasts can change if economic conditions weaken.

The IMF’s April projection of 3.3% was published before Lagarde’s later warning that the global economy may be slowing more than thought, so her remarks suggest the outlook could be weaker than the April estimate.

No. The article reports the IMF’s cautionary view about slowing growth but does not provide specific investment advice. It’s an economic outlook that investors can use as context when making decisions or seeking professional guidance.

The information came from the International Monetary Fund and its head, Christine Lagarde, including the IMF’s April projection and Lagarde’s subsequent comments about darker trends.

The article states the IMF projected 3.3% global growth in its April outlook; the projection and related commentary were attributed to the International Monetary Fund and its head, Christine Lagarde.