Global Business Outlook
Regional Updates
U.S. Growth eases as energy prices dampens consumer spending, spurs inflation Business investment still healthy, but not translating into solid job growth
EMEA Even Germany is finally seeing signs of expansion, but still a lethargic pace Overall, 2004 a definite improvement with Eastern Europe leading the region
Asia Japan growth slowed in Q2, but domestic spending is finally expanding Rest of Asia benefiting from export growth to China, U.S.
Any Clouds on the Horizon?
U.S.: high energy prices, sluggish job growth could flat line consumer spending
WW: gas price / production risks, China “soft landing”, and ever present terrorist threat
Bottom Line: Continued global economic expansion, emerging nations leading an export-fueled pace