Also over this time period, Brazil recorded 2.8% growth in household consumption, 2.5% growth in gross fixed capital formation and 1.2% growth in the public administration sector.

FORBES: Brazil Economy Stagnates, But Barclays Expects Better Luck Next Year

Well the results of the first half of 2012 are now available from Rosstat and, at first glance, they would appear to be ground for significant optimism: GDP grew at a 4.9% rate, fixed capital formation grew at 4.7%, and retail turnover galloped ahead at a rapid 6.9% annual rate.

FORBES: Russia's Economy in 2012: A Strong Start and an Uncertain Future