The IMF just published their updated World Economic Outlook Update.  2009 continues to show a negative growth rate of -1.4%, but the IMF is predicting a 2.5% growth in economic activity for 2010.  A few highlights are below, or check the full story at the link above.


  • Russia has the lowest projected 2009 growth rate, at -7.5%.  Mexico is second worst with a projection of -7.3%.
  • The United States is expected to decline by 2.6% in 2009, but expected to grow by .8% in 2010
  • The “Euro Area” (German, Spain, Italy and France) is expected to decline in 2009 (-4.8%) and 2010 (-.3%)
  • Oil prices expected to decline by 37.6% in 2009, but rise 23.1% in 2010