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« Just Throwing This Out There | Main | Congrats » May 19, 2004
Note to Europe ...
Posted by Bill One in four Europeans fall asleep on the Job The leading slackers? * Irish GDP growth decelerated sharply in 2003 as exports and investment were hit hard by the appreciation of the euro and sluggish growth in world trade ... ... and it was discovered that Irish workers lead the continent in laying out the blue mats at work. It's important to note, however, that a snoozing Irish economy (projected to grow at 3.75% in 2004) still represents itself better than the fully aroused French: * The French economy contracted by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2003, due in part to the effect of strikes, but resumed positive growth of 0.4% in the third quarter. Both exports and final domestic demand made positive contributions to growth in the quarter, offset only by a rundown in inventories, suggesting that a gradual recovery is underway and should continue. * Growth is estimated at only around 0.2% in 2003, but this should rise back to around 1.5% in 2004 and around 2.25% in 2005 in our main scenario, assuming a sustained recovery in the global economy. Sustainability issues aside for the moment, keep these numbers in mind when you read headlines like this concerning the US economy: GDP growth weaker than expected UPDATE: More on something to do with all this here. Posted by Bill at May 19, 2004 09:16 AM | TrackBack (0) CommentsI have ALWAYS contended that a truly enlightened culture would allow you a snooze after lunch. Perhaps I'll make this pitch to the VP. I am being laid off anyway. Posted by: Gordon at May 19, 2004 09:32 AM When Hillary is elected, we are moving to Ireland for a few years. Yes, it's avowedly socialist, but you can drink A LOT and take A LOT of naps, and they don't smoke in bars any more. also the butter is very nice. Nap time now? Posted by: Dr. Kate at May 19, 2004 11:40 AM Mmmmmmm, butter ... Posted by: Bill from INDC Journal at May 19, 2004 11:42 AM |
