L'onde de contre-chocs

[eng] The collapse of oil prices together with the depreciation of the dollar fail to bring the world economy back to its pre-oil shock situation. At the beginning of spring, the real price of oil is still twice what it was at the end of 1973. Besides, many decisions in the field of investment and indebtedness cannot be reversed. Lastly, the relative weight of trading partners has considerably altered. In spite of these shifts, Japan, Europe and the USA will benefit from the ongoing counter shocks. Terms of trade will soar in the first two regions, enabling them to enjoy an accelerated rate of growth and, at least until the end of 1986, an improvment in their balance of current account. The third of these countries could more easily reduce its imbalances both budgetary and external. The results of all these movements are still uncertain where latin America and Asia are concerned ; much will depend on the attitude of developped countries as regards a decrease of interest rates and the spreading of protectionism. OPEC and Africa will be the main losers. . This new international environment might boost France's economic growth by 1 %. Household consumption will be sustained by and increase in real disposable income following two years of decline, an by a decrease in the saving ratio as rebuilding financial assets calls for less savings in a time of low inflation. Investment will be somewhat pulled by the upsurge of demand and the growth of profits, but those are still small relatively to the capital stock, while reducing indebtedness remains a top priority for the firms. The trade balance will remain positive albeit the industrial balance will deteriorate further as imports will soar while exports lack competitiveness. The rate of inflation might fall under 2 %. Real interest rates will remain high despite the lowering of nominal interest rates.