IMF Data

Start with the dataset as well as the country. The World Economic Outlook (WEO) combines annual historical data with projections, while other IMF collections cover different frequencies and subjects. A WEO release is a dated snapshot, usually published in April and October.

On the WEO page, View Data opens the selection of economies, indicators and periods. Download retrieves the latest full release, and the named Entire Dataset in Excel file provides a ready-made workbook. WEO Vintages links earlier releases when you need to compare forecasts made at different dates.

Separate observations from estimates

Select a series and open View Metadata. Latest Actual Annual Data identifies the last year treated as actual data; subsequent years are IMF staff estimates. A zero means the whole series is estimated. Actual observations can still be revised, and some countries or indicators have gaps. The full CSV download includes the same metadata.

WEO does not publish monthly or quarterly series. January and July outlook updates also do not replace the complete April or October database, so use the appropriate release for a historical comparison.

The public WEO pages and direct workbook download can be reached without signing in. IMF also offers SDMX interfaces for importing data into analytical software; its interactive API explorer asks for a portal account. The distinction matters if you want a spreadsheet download today or a repeatable software connection.