Satellite Images Seen as Helpful Gauge of War-Torn Economies

Countries disrupted by conflict and political instability often underestimate economic downturns as well as the strength of subsequent recoveries, according to new International Monetary Fund research based on nighttime light levels captured by satellite imagery.

Jiaxiong Yao, an economist at the IMF, presented those findings Tuesday in Washington, where policy makers are gathering for the fund’s Spring Meetings.