There is a widespread growth trend in the world economy. Although margins may be tight in some industries, export volumes are at very high levels.

A lot of that inherent growth in Australia, and strength in the economy, has helped keep those housing volumes up, but we would say by the end of this year or the beginning of next year, all other things being equal, for it to come off slightly.

Holy Katrina! The economy weathered two major hurricanes and in spite of that showed accelerated growth. I think what this shows is that fundamentally the economy was and is in really good shape.

The interesting thing is we've just had negative growth, the economy shrank in the fourth quarter of last year and it doesn't look like it's going to grow much in the first quarter of this year.

China's economy is expected to continue its extended cycle of strong growth, thanks to the pivotal role it plays in the global supply chain. China's solid manufacturing base is essential to neighboring Asian economies, which export key electronic components. Its emerging middle class and growing consumerism will continue to attract capital goods and luxury items from the rest of the world.

It should be an engine of job growth and an improved economy in the Hispanic north.