In comparison and following its 2016 contractions, the South African economy recorded a double-dip recession with renewed contractions of 2.6 and 0.7 percent in the first and second quarters of 2018, respectively. In Argentina, though the economy was in recession throughout 2016, moderate upticks which peaked at 1.9 percent quarter two of 2017  ended  that  recession.
To all participants, presenters, discussants and support staff, I wish on behalf of the Bank to convey our appreciation for your ongoing show of support for our conference over the years and we want to say a big thank you to you for your effort and participation again in 2017.