The global recovery is off to a stronger start than anticipated earlier but is proceeding at different speeds in the various regions (Table 1. and Figure 1). Following the deepest global downturn in recent history, economic growth returned and broadened to advanced economies in the second half...

The two-speed recovery continues. In advanced economies, activity has moderated less than expected, but growth remains subdued, unemployment is still high, and renewed stresses in the euro area periphery are contributing to downside risks. In many emerging economies, activity remains buoyant,...

Activity is slowing down temporarily, and downside risks have increased again. The global expansion remains unbalanced. Growth in many advanced economies is still weak, considering the depth of the recession. In addition, the mild slowdown observed in the second quarter of 2011 is not reassuring