IMF backs down from UK criticism as forecast hiked January 21, 2014 THE INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) has flipped its position on the UK economy, confirming a large positive revision to its forecast for this year’s economic growth. Having criticised chancellor George Osborne for “playing with fire” only eight months ago, IMF chief economist Olivier Blanchard said yesterday that the recent recovery is sustainable, explaining the IMF’s [...]