The Washington Post surveys the global economic scene following yesterday’s anemic Fed action:
Overnight in Asia, China released data showing that its economy was beginning to cool rapidly….The government also announced a looming economic problem: the inflation rate spiked 3.3 percent in July, amid flooding that disrupted food supplies.
….In Europe, the Bank of England lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2011 to 3 percent annually, down from 3.4 percent, saying the country faces a “choppy recovery.”
….In the morning, there was more bad news from a third continent: the United States. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit ballooned more than analysts expected in June, after the stronger dollar made it easier for people in the U.S. to snap up cheaper exports from countries such as China. The gap widened to $49.9 billion in June, up from a revised $42.0 billion in May.
….In Europe, the Bank of England lowered its GDP growth forecast for 2011 to 3 percent annually, down from 3.4 percent, saying the country faces a “choppy recovery.”No worries, though. The Fed and congressional Republicans will do something eventually. Maybe. Best to wait until the elections are over, though.