The Global economy has bounced back to above-trend growth in 2010—IMF projects it to grow at a rate of near 4% in 2011 and slightly faster in 2012.

This pattern combines two different pictures: one for economies that have been hit hard by the effects of deflating real estate bubbles and sovereign debt crises, and a second for those that suffered indirectly from spill-overs as global activity declined.

Two key risks are the potential for a widened sovereign debt crisis in Europe if further measures are not taken to quell current market stress, and a widening inflation problem in EMs, especially Asia, if greater monetary restraint is not imposed

My firm conducts marketing and public relations work for healthcare, financial services, high tech, and biotech companies in the US. In other recessions, we have noted they first began with our area of expertise and first showed signs of improving earlier than many other fields.

I have noted this same development in the past few months—we have several new clients, although they are small- to medium-sized and cautious. But more of them signing up for projects and returning to tell their stories to target audiences. More in the past few months than in the past two years.

Recovery in the US seems to be tied up, rightfully, with employment. So even if there is an economic recovery by way of growth, it is called a jobless recovery. Jobs could only increase in conventional and well established industries like auto manufacturing, construction, etcetera. Is any one thinking of newer industries which could offer employment opportunities in future?

It would be interesting to know whether the strategy of companies is to continue in the same markets or diversify their operations in new countries or regions after this crisis.

Interestingly enough, here in Sweden we seem to be suddenly an “island” for real economic prosperity where job growth is happening; however, the challenge remains to create jobs for the group aged 18 to 25. I find it hard to believe our own numbers and even harder to believe that in today’s global economy any one country can effectively create an opposite effect from the rest of the world. It just does not make sense. I feel that the so-called celebrated recovery that is happening now in the US, for example, lies on even weaker ground than before. It appears to be poised for an even bigger collapse if certain real figures, like job growth, don’t improve soon.

It would be interesting to see what is happening with spending. This survey looks at their external outlook for the future, what about their view of their own growth (beyond employing more people)? For example, spending on IT, facilities, travel/entertainment, etcetera.

Yes, quite optimistic evaluations regarding the growth timing (few months?!). Regarding job place trend, we know generally there is a delay versus economic indicators (6 months?). It would be interesting to follow effective trends and compare versus expectations, just to try to understand if some more “self restraint” is in place.

Fair point on the lack of expected job growth. Let’s keep it simple. Without the confidence to add people and capital there is no real economic growth—only some timing distortions. Our elected officials behave as though adding a job in the public sector is the same as adding one in the productive sector. I would differ with that. On the capital side, it seems that non-creditworthy would-be borrowers cannot borrow. This is good, but it only means we are not in a bubble, which is hardly news. Creditworthy would-be borrowers seem unwilling to borrow and invest, and this is not good. The optimists point to the stock market rebound but that seems to be more about relative expectations than objective reality. Bottom line: low to slow growth at best until the political climate calms down and people figure out whatever the so called “new reality” is.

Interesting that while many see the economy growing, most expect job counts to remain flat. That would appear to be a hinderance, or self-fulfilling prophecy with respect to protracted growth.

Contrary to media pundits, the economy is not recovering, but merely pausing a little before plunging again. None of the stimulus programs have accomplished anything sustainable in the long term. As soon as those projects subside, we will again be in a downward spiral. And because we have printed more money without any backing, inflation will take off with a vengeance. The next decade will not produce anything of substance, economically.