Data released over the past few months suggested that global economic conditions had, on balance, been a little more positive after weakening earlier in the year. Members noted that a range of data on the Chinese economy suggested that growth there had stabilised. Fiscal policy easing, including support for infrastructure spending, and improved conditions in the residential property market had supported growth in industrial production and demand for bulk commodities. Exports had continued to expand, particularly to the United States, following weakness in the middle of the year. Economic activity in the United States ... (full story)