The International Monetary¹ Fund says the global financial system remains² the weak link in the economic recovery.

国际货币基金组织称，全球金融体系在经济复苏中仍属于最薄弱的一个缓解。

In a new report, the IMF predicts a gradual improvement in the financial system, but adds that there is a substantial（大量的，实质的） risk of further problems.

The tone is not one of panic, but it is clearly nervous.

The IMF says that in the last six months there has been a setback³ to financial stability, which may affect the recovery from global recession.

That has been highlighted by the recent turmoil⁴（混乱，骚动） in European financial markets.

In these markets, government debt has combined with weak banks to undermine stability.

Jose Vinals, the senior IMF official responsible for the report, told the BBC that some of the most vulnerable countries have taken important steps to deal with government debt and problem banks.

Greece is moving "forcefully" and Ireland is taking "very decisive actions", he said.

So he expects "things to get better not worse", he said.

Nonetheless, the financial system remains fragile, the report warns.

There is also a warning that some developing countries could be destabilised by large financial inflows（流入） , as investors⁵ seek higher returns in fast-growing economies.

That is particularly a concern in Asia and Latin America.

Foundations

There are some positive elements in this report, however.

The IMF report describes the response of Europe to recent developments as forceful.

And it says the banks have made some further progress in strengthening their financial foundations.

One important theme underlying⁶ this report is the continued divergence⁷（分歧） between the unconvincing economic recovery in rich countries and the more robust⁸ performance of many developing nations.

The concerns about financial flows to emerging markets reflect that difference.

Modest shifts

Low interest rates in the developed world, intended to spur（激励，鞭策） recovery, mean there may be more money to be made in Asia and Latin America.

The IMF points out that quite modest shifts by rich country investors could have a large impact on developing-world financial markets.

Such inflows have the potential to lead to financial instability.

That risk is an unwanted side effect of what is generally a relatively⁹ favourable¹⁰（有利的，顺利的） economic outlook in many developing nations.