The Best Economies in the World

[RDS]

Singapore took second spot.

After sliding in the rankings for four consecutive years, the United States moved up two places in the World Economic Forum’s competitiveness ranking, from seventh last year to fifth in 2013. A combination of factors, including improving financial markets and a strong university system, helped the U.S. improve, despite its weak macroeconomic environment.

Read more: The Best Economies in the World - 24/7 Wall St. The Best Economies in the World - 24/7 Wall St.

 

[sangha]

All of the top 10 have govts that strongly regulate the economy.

 

[Mach]

Go Singapore!

In the case of the United States, Drzeniek-Hanouz highlighted financial market efficiency, labor market efficiency and innovation as factors that make the country globally competitive.

Let's see what they said about the U.S. in more detail:

The United States still faces a weak economic environment, largely due to the nation’s massive government deficit and debt burden. In spite of this, the U.S. was more competitive this year than it was a year ago, up from seventh place to fifth. The U.S. ranked seventh for the availability of financial services, and it was one of the top five nations for the availability of venture capital and the ease of raising money through equity markets. The U.S. also ranked as one of the top countries for attracting and retaining talent. The world’s largest economy is also home to many highly sophisticated businesses, with U.S. companies handling international distribution of their goods

Hmmm.
So weak economy due to massive deficit and debt burden (Thanks big government spenders!)
Competitive on financial services, venture capital and ease of raising money in the marketplace. Aren't those all bad words to the left? Something to be ashamed of since it's just greedy capitalists looking to make another buck they don't need? Top at attracting and retaining talent....lol. Too bad we have to import them from overseas because the majority of our college grads prefer easy street with psychology and the arts.