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IMF warns of stagflationary shock ahead

It estimates that even if the US-Iran ceasefire holds, countries may need around US$20 billion in bailout support

    • IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva speaking ahead of the IMF/World Bank's spring meetings, says "there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo".
    • IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva speaking ahead of the IMF/World Bank's spring meetings, says "there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo". PHOTO: REUTERS

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    Published Sat, Apr 11, 2026 · 08:00 AM

    THE announcement of a ceasefire in the Iran war on Tuesday (Apr 7) provided immediate relief for global markets.

    However, International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva warned two days later that the conflict is triggering a systemic stagflationary shock to the world economy.

    In her speech ahead of the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings, she was clear that “even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo” that was in place before the US and Israel military campaign against Iran began in late February.

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