Economic Pulse

Overriding the positive trend noted in the previous Economic Pulse report, the last month of 2014 closed on the negative note with all three economic assessment indicators down since last month and down two points since October 2014..

Perceptions of the current economic situation around the world are improving slightly this month, with four in 10 respondents rating their national economy as good. The local economy assessment holds steady, as does optimism for the near future.

Despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and continuing tensions between Russia and the United States, the global average for national economic assessment remains unchanged for the second month in a row; the local economic assessment average is up one point since last sounding; and the future local average remains unchanged for the fifth straight month.

Europe is on the wrong track say citizens in ten of EU’s largest countries – but little desire to leave the European Union outright. Faultlines across Europe with Mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, France) most unhappy, but central Europe (Germany, Poland, Hungary) more positive.

Faultlines Across Europe with Mediterranean Countries (Spain, Italy, France) Most Unhappy, But Central Europe (Germany, Poland, Hungary) More Positive.

The Union finance ministry expects Indian Economy would grow at least 6% in the current financial year, citing a pickup in investment and rising investor confidence. RBI has projected the Indian economy to grow at 5.7%, which is lower than even some private forecasts.

Economic growth has transformed cities in South East Asia, its raised income levels, spurred urbanization and infrastructure and ultimately changed the SE Asia region and the way in which we live.