The Institute for Supply Management, in its twice-yearly forecast, said purchasing managers were optimistic about 2007, both in manufacturing and in other industries.

ECONOMIST: Overview

The Scottish Item Club twice-yearly forecast confirms there are big job losses afoot in the public sector, but it highlights indications that the private sector is on track to do well at replacing them.

BBC: Stands Scotland's economy where it did?

The State Statistical Bureau has forecast 8.7% average yearly GDP growth for the rest of the decade, with 8%-to-9% inflation.

CNN: BUSINESS FORECAST '96

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) has raised its forecast for both economic growth and inflation this year in its twice yearly report.

BBC: Bank of Japan lifts economic forecasts