The economic expansion will continue, based on OECD leading indicators

The OECD published this morning its economic leading indicator indices. They point again towards a sustained economic expansion in its member countries. But, the most recent data are the ones available for last January, so they don't take into account the consequences of the significant increase in the price of oil on the pace of economic growth. The IMF estimates that a $10 increase of crude oil diminishes world economic growth prospects by 0.2 to 0.3 percentage point in one year. Recent catastrophes in Japan will also affect the economic outlook of that country and of its economic partners. Remember that Japan represents close to 9% of world GDP and it is the third largest economy in the world.

Details at : http://www.oecd.org/document/18/0,3746,en_2649_34349_47332626_1_1_1_1,00.html