Finance leaders pledge forceful response to boost economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Finance officials are pledging a more forceful effort to stimulate a sluggish worldwide economy.

The hope is that stronger growth can boost long-stagnant wages and combat a rising backlash against globalization.

The finance leaders say they’ll use all the policy tools available to them to promote “strong, sustainable, inclusive, job-rich and more balanced global growth.”

The commitment comes contained in a joint statement from the policy-setting panel of the 189-nation International Monetary Fund at the end of its spring meeting in Washington.

Markets have stabilized after a chaotic start to the year when fears were growing about a possible new global recession.