Resources
World economy
The world economy is growing quickly but is rapidly becoming more imbalanced. Foreigners are building up stocks of US assets, keeping US interest rates low and supporting the US dollar, but their willingness to continue financing US consumers’ taste for imported goods at low interest rates cannot last forever.
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Content
Bright spots can’t hide a precarious balancing act
Behind the strong growth, low interest rates and bright future, there are serious causes for concern.
Global institutions: Sleepwalking into financial crisis
The world is failing to grasp the nettle of economic problems.
US economy: Greenspan successor faces hard decisions
Productivity growth has been strong but there is a great deal of uncertainty in the outlook.
Central banks: Asian reserves show global imbalances
Their extraordinary build-up is cause for concern.
European economy: Achieving growth but at a slow rate
The eurozone shows no signs of springing into action.
Japanese economy: Slow, steady recovery from recession
The country is enjoying an unspectacular upturn.
Poverty: Have pious words left the poor in a spin?
It will be years before we know if promises have been kept.
Emerging markets: Investors eye growth with great interest
Continued strong performance has led to much attention.
Trade: Multilateral negotiating faces its nemesis
December’s biennial ministerial meeting is the last time that all members are scheduled to gather.
The oil price: Policymakers hope their luck will hold
There is an acceptance that we must live with high prices. Scheherazade Daneshkhu looks at the economic effects.
