But a number below 50 indicates that output is still contracting, as it has since August 2000.

ECONOMIST: Overview | The

But that is still no guarantee for not contracting a new Syrian cyberbug, "Susan" reminds.

CNN: Computer spyware is newest weapon in Syrian conflict

"It is quite possible for some parts of the country to grow while others are actually still contracting, " said Dr Nolan.

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In another difference with Sweden, where the economy had already been contracting for seven quarters before the government strongly intervened, the downturn in this economic cycle is still young.

ECONOMIST: Meltdown may have been averted. But the crunch is not over

In 1998 he started Elance, an online contracting site that connects freelancers with employers (he still has a stake in that unlisted entity but is no longer active in it).

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