Hong Kong unrest may shake world economy

By Paul Davidson

The protests in Hong Kong are not yet sparking fears that the region will become the next trouble spot for the global economy, but such concerns will grow if the conflict intensifies and ensnares China, economists say.

Hong Kong is small, producing 0.4% of the world's gross domestic product. IHS Global Insight estimates its economy will grow 2.5% this year and 3.2% in 2015.

The region is a small U.S. trading partner, accounting for 0.3% of U.S. imports and 2.7% of exports, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade representative and PNC Financial Group. Pro-democracy protests that don't turn more violent likely would have minimal effects on the global and U.S. economy, says Bill Adams, PNC's senior international economist.

Culled from: http://www.usatoday.com