There was a sobering warning from the World Bank this week, when it noted that the global economy has slowed to its lowest pace in three years.
The good news is that it is on track to stabilise, but the World Bank fears that its momentum is fragile and subject to substantial risks.
Of particular concern to the bank - and many of our readers - is the slowing in international trade and investment. These have been weaker than expected at the start of the year, and economic activity in major advanced economies, particularly the Euro Area, and some large emerging markets and developing economies has been softer than previously anticipated.
On the positive side, the latest analysis tips growth in the emerging and developing world next year "as the turbulence and uncertainty that afflicted a number of countries late last year and this year recedes".