Is the Global Economy Slowing Down?

It does look like the annual Springtime economic swoon is back (as we saw in 2010 and 2011). This year, however, the emerging markets are slowing down rather sharply. Figures released recently by Brazil, India and China are all indicating a rather sharp economic slowdown amongst the largest emerging markets.

Eurozone unemployment rate hit a record 11%, which, when combined with zero regional economic growth for Q1, makes for a gloomy 2012 for much of Europe. It is worth noting that a non-eurozone member, Britain, is currently in throes of a double-dip recession.

US 2012Q1 real GDP rate was revised downward (to less than 2%) and May labor market figures were dismal.

All in all, very few bright spots (no big natural disasters so far in 2012 may be one) in the global economy.