IMF crunches the numbers for possible Venezuela rescue

 The International Monetary Fund has begun preparations for a possible rescue of Venezuela that could require $30bn or more in international help annually and come alongside one of the world’s most complex bond restructurings and a big test of Fund rules.  The IMF has had no official relationship with Venezuela since Caracas cut off relations in 2007 and has not conducted an on-the-ground review in 13 years. Officials insist no rescue is imminent and publicly say they are simply conducting normal surveillance, stressing that they have had no meaningful contact with the government other than occasional low-level responses to requests for data.  More..