War and high debt to dominate IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok

What happened: Finance officials gather in Bangkok for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, held outside Washington for the first time in three years, with the US-Israel war on Iran and high debt dominating the agenda. Key numbers: 18,000 registered attendees, 4,000 more than the October 2023 Morocco meetings. Why it matters: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the meetings and a G20 gathering, which may frustrate counterparts amid tensions over the Iran war and Ukraine. The IMF may edge its 2026 forecast slightly higher, but Ukraine and Gulf countries face downgrades. Coverage: 6 outlets in 24h

Finance officials gather in Bangkok for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, held outside Washington for the first time in three years, with the US-Israel war on Iran and high debt dominating the agenda.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the meetings and a G20 gathering, which may frustrate counterparts amid tensions over the Iran war and Ukraine. The IMF may edge its 2026 forecast slightly higher, but Ukraine and Gulf countries face downgrades.