Consumer spending increased marginally, according to the Fed, even though most of that was attributed to a pickup in the auto sector, as supply chain disruptions stemming from Japan eased.

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While lower gas prices and the recovery of the auto sector (as supply chain disruptions eased in Japan) boosted economic performance in the third quarter, Hatzius believes the U.S. economy will continue to muddle through until the private sector feels comfortable enough that it has fixed its balance sheet to begin spending.

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Further, HP was the first in its sector to publish details about its supply chain, a key step towards increased transparency.

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Sales in the auto sector benefited from continued easing of supply chain disruptions as Japan recovers from the disastrous earthquake-cum tsunami combo that rattled global production.

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Vessels powered by LNG typically are less polluting that those using more traditional fossil fuels, and the Lockheed unit believes it can apply similar aerospace technologies to a wide range of supply-chain opportunities in the rapidly-expanding energy sector.

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The sector employs some three million people across a huge supply chain and has a strong multiplier effect on the UK economy.

BBC: Business