Asia Feels Impact from Slower U.S. & E.U.

The United Nations recently released an economic survey showing that slower growth in China and India is likely due to Europe's sovereign debt troubles and slower U.S. growth. While the Asia Pacific region is expected to recover in 2013, fewer people are expected to escape poverty amid widening income gaps between classes in these countries.

China's growth slowed to 7.8% this year, as demand for its exports fell in the U.S. and E.U. And in turn, these declines led to a drop in demand for raw materials from China, which is a source of strength for many Asia Pacific countries. International investors are therefore keenly focused on resumed growth in the U.S. and E.U. to help jumpstart global growth.