However, given the company's loyal but somewhat finite customer base, along with the economic slowdown that's expected by early next year, a slowdown in sales seems like at least an even bet.

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But the bank said higher interest rates were likely to affect Scotland less than the wider UK economy, with the country's solid industrial base supporting economic expansion during the coming year, as the rising cost of borrowing subdues the boom in public spending.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Economic growth 'will continue'

When I reported on Gwadar in 2010, officials from both the Chinese developer and the PSA described its purpose as an economic one, a base for trade with the Persian Gulf.

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Likewise, real economic growth has no observable correlation with growth in the monetary base (the correlation is actually slightly negative but insignificant).

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Now, with a dwindling tax base and growing worries about the social effects of wrenching economic dislocation, it is allowed to spend more than it earns on job-creation schemes and infrastructure.

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The ASEAN Leaders briefed the President on their plan to create an ASEAN Economic Community with a single market and production base by 2015.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama at Working Lunch with ASEAN leaders

With a growing customer base, on-line exposure, minimal debt and very few assets, when the global economic crisis hit in 2008, Aramex was in prime position.

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