G20 Backs Early-Warning Plan Against Future Crises

But behind the numbers, is even deeper trouble brewing?

The Group of 20 emerging and leading economies has agreed a plan that it hopes will help ward off future global economic crises.

The plan agreed in Washington by G20 finance ministers and central bankers would allow the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to examine debt levels, budget deficits, and trade balances of the world's seven leading economies.

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde described the plan as "huge progress," although the examined countries would not be obligated to abide by any recommendations made by the IMF.

compiled from Reuters reports