Fels said discussions among those in attendance were dominated by three topics: (1) the battle in D.C. over the debt ceiling; (2) what a Janet Yellen Federal Reserve means for markets and the economy; and (3) the problems — both structural and cyclical — that have propelled emerging-market economies into the limelight as of late.

"Janet Yellen’s nomination to the Fed chair on Wednesday was widely greeted with relief as it will likely ensure that the Fed’s monetary policy stance will remain accommodative for longer," says Fels.

Yet Fels thinks the meetings left a strong impression on global policymakers "that the world remains a risky place," a sentiment that could trigger a new round of central bank easing in the coming weeks and months.