With consumer demand weak in the U.S., American businesses are looking to markets abroad to take up the slack.

FORBES: Business Groups To Welcome U.S.-Korea Trade Deal

With weak consumer demand putting pressure on turnover, we need firm action on fuel and utility costs.

BBC: Small businesses report rise in confidence

With weak consumer demand and oversupply of semiconductors in the market, semiconductor manufacturers are delaying their expansion plans indefinitely, and that???s what we're seeing reflected in ASML's guidance.

FORBES: Market Scan

But the fundamental problem with the economy remains: consumer demand is weak.

FORBES: Unemployment Likely To Remain At Least 9.5% For August

Their reluctance to invest may have more to do with regulatory, financial and fiscal uncertainty than weak consumer demand (see article).

ECONOMIST: Global economic policy

"Despite the easing in the rate of decline, the region still looks set for further contraction in the early months of 2013, as weak consumer demand in many countries combines with low levels of business confidence and falling global trade", said Chris Williamson, Markit's chief economist.

BBC: Eurozone recession to continue into 2013, survey suggests