Twice a year, the OECD Economic Outlook analyses the major trends and examines the economic policies required to foster high and sustainable growth in member countries. Developments in major non-OECD economies are also evaluated. The present issue covers the outlook to end-2008. Together with a wide range of cross-country statistics, the Outlook provides a unique tool to keep abreast of world economic developments.

In addition to the themes featured regularly, this issue contains a special chapter entitled Has the rise in debt made households more vulnerable?, which addresses the following questions:

• What factors explain the observed rise in household debt in many OECD countries?
• Have asset price movements offset the impact on households’ financial positions?
• Are some sectors or groups particularly vulnerable to adverse asset market or income developments?