Which move will it make to address pressing issues? Right now, there are dozens of mutual funds and ETFs devoted explicitly to investing in China’s impressive emerging market. Even with the risk of asset bubbles, the promise of China is simply too tantalizing to ignore for many. The question is whether its economy can maintain its powerful momentum in 2012. If not, the impact on global investors could be significant.

A GAIN (OF SORTS) IN CONSUMER SPENDING The Commerce Department noted a 0.2% rise in personal spending in January along with a 0.3% rise in wages. However, real consumer spending was flat for the third consecutive month when adjusted for inflation. Headline personal spending rose 2.1% in Q4 2011. Many economists expect a comparable gain this quarter. In related news, the Bureau of Economic Analysis revised Q4 GDP north to 3.0% last week.1,2,3 DURABLE GOODS ORDERS,[…]