IMF chief sees 'tepid' growth for world economy The world economy is going through a "tepid" recovery, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday, adding that growth in advanced economies should be higher. Speaking at a women's forum in Dubai, the newly reelected Lagarde said global economic growth stood at 3.1 percent last year, and is expected to grow by "a bit more than three percent" this year, and a "little higher" in 2017. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES