UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS
Back to Basics
Finance & Development explains some fundamental concepts of economics
The "Back to Basics" feature has been a mainstay of the IMF’s Finance & Development magazine since 2003. It aims to explain basic concepts for the non-specialist. We have revisited the series, updating and revising where needed, and compiling the most relevant Back to Basics stories in one place. The series is ongoing and we will add new “Back to Basics” stories as they appear in the magazine.
The Big Picture
What Is Capitalism?
Sarwat Jahan and Ahmed Saber Mahmud
Free markets may not be perfect but they are probably the best way to organize an economy
Free markets may not be perfect but they are probably the best way to organize an economy