Challenges ahead for economy despite positive signs

While we do not yet have complete economic data for 2014, it is clear from all available information that economic recovery was a key feature of the landscape in the year just past.

In the first nine months of the year, gross domestic product expanded by 4.9% and gross national product expanded by 4.7%.

An analysis of the components of growth shows business investment expanded by 10.6%; exports of goods and services expanded 12%; and construction sector output expanded by 8.8%.