IMF predicts stronger global growth in H2

The International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for global growth this year, reflecting a stronger-than-expected first half. The world economy will expand 4.6% in 2010, the biggest gain since 2007, compared with an April projection of 4.2%, the Washington-based organization said in its World Economic Outlook.

Canada and the US are leading advanced economies out of the worst recession since World War II, trailed by euro-area countries that need additional measures to boost confidence in their banks, the IMF said.

Faster expansions in Brazil, China and India are helping to protect the global recovery as a sovereign-debt crisis weighs on Europe, the IMF said.