Mexican Media Brands
Global Business Confidence Sags to 5-Year Low
Business expects further global growth in the year ahead, but the proportion of companies who forecast expansion has dropped to the lowest ratio since 2009, according to the London-based Markit Global Business Outlook Survey.
#economics
Share
Business expects further global growth in the year ahead, but the proportion of companies who forecast expansion has dropped to the lowest ratio since 2009, according to the London-based Markit Global Business Outlook Survey.
"Clouds are gathering over the global economic outlook," cautions Markit Chief Economist Chris Williamson.
The report, which surveyed 6,100 companies worldwide, notes several worries that are denting business optimism. They include the threats of another downturn in the eurozone, Russia's uncertain economic future, rising interest rates and geopolitical risks.
Williamson says business leaders expect continued slow or even slower growth in emerging markets in 2015.
Markit also found an unexpected decline in optimism in the U.S., led by a "dramatic" drop within the service sector. Williamson opines that America's economic growth may have peaked last summer and appear likely to slow in coming months.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Ford’s $42 Billion Cash Cow
F-Series pickups generate about 30% of the carmaker’s revenue. The tally is about twice as much as what McDonald’s pulls in.
-
China and U.S. OEMs
When Ford announced its 3rd quarter earning on October 24, the official announcement said, in part, “Company revenue was up 3 percent year over year, with net income and company adjusted EBIT both down year over year, primarily driven by continued challenges in China.” The previous day, perhaps as a preemptive move to answer the question “If things are going poorly in China, what are you doing about it?, Ford announced that it was establishing Ford China as a stand-alone business unit.
-
Report Forecasts Huge Economic Upside for Self-Driving EVs
Widespread adoption of autonomous electric vehicles could provide $800 billion in annual social and economic benefits in the U.S. by 2050, according to a new report.