First-quarter growth of 7.7 percent is even more disappointing given the 58 percent increase in financing shoveled into the economy over the same period says Breakingviews.

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China’s export growth rebounded more strongly than expected in December from a three-month low, expanding at the fastest rate in seven months. Today’s graphic shows imports, trade surplus, and exports by destination.

Today the World Gold Council said that global gold demand in 2013 should be led by strength in Chinese demand and a recovery in India. Chinese gold demand is likely to grow around 10% in 2013 from about 800 tonnes this year, helping the precious metal continue its bull run into its 13th year. Today’s graphic looks at global demand for gold as well as demand by sector and the top consuming countries/regions.

With the help of central bankers and their increasingly aggressive attempts to stimulate growth and ward off crises, investors felt comfortable returning to invest in risk assets in September. But questions about the longer term outlook linger. Head over to Alpha Now to see a wonderful selection of charts or by clicking on the pic below.

Today’s graphic looks at 4 key indicators of the Spanish economy: 10-year government bond yield, unemployment, surplus/deficit and real GDP growth rate.

November nonfarm payroll growth should top forecasts as companies continue to express a need to hire more according to the CEO of employment website firm Dice Holdings.

Thomson Reuters, along with the Atlantic Council, the Rotman School of Management, and The Embassy of Canada hosted special event, The Financial Crisis: Lessons Learned From Canada and The Way Forward.

Closing out the day, Financial Times US Editor Robin Harding moderated a panel on global economic growth. Participants included Tim Adams, former Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, now Managing Director at The Lindsey Group; Craig Alexander, SVP and Chief Economist at TD Bank Financial Group; Troy Davig, Senior US Economist for Barclays Capital; Peter Rashish, VP for Europe and Eurasia at the US Chamber of Commerce and Alan Schwartz, Executive Chairman at Guggenheim Partners.

Adams outlined the headwinds global growth faces, including ‘welfare states we can’t afford, aging demographics and mature economies – a short term loop that is capping growth.” Rashish sounded a bit more optimistic note, stating, “the reform path leads to growth through implementation.”

Several speakers addressed the challenges that politics and national self-interests pose and the necessity for balancing, with Schwartz saying “capital is global, but politics stay local” and Alexander highlighting the need for ‘firewalls to protect against contagion”.

Panelists appeared to agree that strong actions would be required. Alexander said, “financial markets are about faith and control…you have to be bold, over-deliver, but its hard to get confidence back if you keep saying ‘it’s not enough’.” Adams stated, “shock and awe (impact) actions will require a huge commitment.”

Katharine Ramsden is managing editor, Thomson Reuters.

General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt tells Reuters’ Chrystia Freeland that people need to focus on growing the economy – and not get distracted.

Chinese companies are focusing on acquiring materials, resources and technology to power growth. Today’s graphic takes a look at the breakdown of M&A activity in China by industry. For example, 2007 was a year dominated by financial growth, while 2005 appears to have been an industrial year for China. Going forward, it will be interesting to see how M&A activity pans out in 2011.

The outlook for business in the region remains attractive although growth rates are expected to ease in the future.

Boosted by high prices for their mainstay commodity exports, Latin America’s largest emerging markets have racked up dramatic economic growth in recent years and attracted huge inflows of funds. Brazil has established itself as one of the world’s hottest top investment destinations and Argentina, Peru and Chile – currently the fastest growing economies in the region — are expected to expand around 6 percent or more in 2011. Central bankers, policy makers and top executives last week offered their views on the region’s risks and rewards at the Reuters Latin American summit. Stellar growth rates may be over as inflationary pressures and currency appreciation are likely to impact export, consumption and investment, but the region is proving resilient to external shocks.

Download the complete 2011 Latin America Summit Report [PDF]

And, check out some additional information, media and graphics from the Latin America Summit here: (more…)