US & World Economy –
US consumers have kept the American economy slowly moving forward despite the weakness in our exports and the “sequester and tax” policies. Job growth has finally resumed, giving hope for a stronger second-half of the year economy. China’s slow down in growth (particularly in infrastructure and real estate) has contributed to a drop in commodities. Europe is emerging from its “double dip” recession after choosing austerity vs. US-style stimulus and remains vulnerable to set-backs as their unemployment remains at record levels.
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