IMF split on whether Germany must do more to boost economy

The IMF’s executive board is split on the need for German chancellor Angela Merkel’s government to do more to boost the economy while it united in criticising the country’s trade surplus.

“Most directors supported the current policy stance for this year, although some saw scope for a more proactive stimulus, given the significant risks to the outlook,” the IMF said.

Germany should “sustain reform momentum to raise the economy’s growth potential and promote a more balanced economy”.