MDM presents its annual Economic Outlook webcast next Thursday, Dec. 15 (also available on-demand and on DVD after the event). This year it’s free, thanks to our sponsor NetSuite, so sign up today to access the valuable data we’ll be presenting on the distribution sector, as well as on the manufacturing and construction end-markets.

A number of articles are out this week around the Web providing some insight into what we might expect in 2012 and beyond.

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• The European Union is likely to face recession in 2012, according to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). This Knowledge@Wharton article explores the impact that might have on the world’s recovery. Wharton professors say that European turmoil could lower demand for exports around the world (given the size of the European market) and could also trigger new tumult in financial sectors, including in the U.S. Read that article: Will a Eurozone Recession Put a Damper on the World’s Fragile Economic Recovery? 

• Canada’s economic outlook has weakened, according to this article by cbcnews in Canada. The OECD forecasts GDP in the country will grow by nearly 2% in 2012, and 2.5 percent in 2013. Another forecast puts the figure at about 2 percent per year in 2012 and 2013. These articles also address the impact of the European crisis.

And finally, in a partnership with MAPI – the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation – MDM’s December Economic Update podcast presents the forecast for the U.S. for the next five years. MAPI Chief Economist Dan Meckstroth says the European crisis is a primary risk for the U.S. going forward. Job growth is also a concern. Watch that podcast from Meckstroth now or download it to your computer.

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