Alan Budd: The most important question for the world economy is whether the winner of the US election shifts away from free trade.

Economists Survey

The results in full
Q1: What are the 3 main risks to economic stability in 2008?
Q2: How does the credit squeeze change the job of central banks?
Q3: How deep will the correction be in the housing market?
Q4: How far is it possible to ignore short-term inflationary pressures?
Q5: What needs to be done with the public finances?
Q6: Are emerging economies the next global bubble?
Q7: To what extent will the US election affect the world economy?
Q8: Where will Northern Rock be this time next year?
2007 survey

Ian Plenderleith: In concrete terms, seemingly not much - none of the candidates are arguing for any radical changes in economic policy. But the mere fact of a change of administration may help to begin rolling back the pervasive anti-Americanism that has developed internationally, and that would be an important and welcome change.