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There is concern over world economic growth rates. US companies are expected to boost earnings, and this is reflected in higher share values. European companies have yet to see lower growth translate to lower share prices. Economic growth could recover, or European share prices could drop in line with lower growth. Economic growth is not the only motor behind share prices. Supply is as important as demand, and capacity levels in different sectors also affect share prices.

Gross domestic product (GDP) has certain drawbacks as a measurement of economic well-being. There has been a shift to concern over society and the environment rather than money. Natural resources, human capital and social capital are not measures in GDP. The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) which includes environmental costs, shows a decline in economic welfare in the US from 1969. This measure includes unpaid work such as voluntary work and housework.

The impact of freeing world trade has been measured by estimating the growth in rela incomes likely to result from this measure, which, while small in comparison with world gross national product, is equivalent to some 50% of China's current income. This beneficial results of a successful outcome of talk under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Gatt), is a long term gain, which brings growth year after year, unlike booms in business cycles. Countries and regions which will benefit include western Europe, and Japan, which pay too much for their agricultural products. The impact on employment levels is unclear because the issue is complex, so no clear cut conclusions have been publicised by Gatt negotiators.