South Korea is likely to see a pickup in merger-and-acquisition activity this year, as its cash-rich companies shop for overseas assets and as the government is expected to renew efforts to unload state-held stakes now that December's presidential election is over.

WSJ: Korea Is Primed for M&A Deals

That is a particularly ominous sign: it suggests that after propping up economic activity for so long, Americans are losing their urge to shop.

ECONOMIST: On the offensive

Since September, the government has taken several measures to boost economic activity, such as allowing foreign supermarket chains to set up shop in India, permitting foreign airlines to buy stakes in local carriers and raising the state-regulated prices of some fuels.

WSJ: Indian Economy to Grow at Weakest Pace in a Decade

The supermarket shop is perhaps not to be included in this: squeezing the Charmin is not really a social activity enjoyed by many.

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