Journal article: In 2003, the world economy picked up again, after a bout of weakness in the first half of the year. Pulled by the US and the UK, growth spread to Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. It should stay over 4% in 2004 and 2005. The US should see their disequilibria (public and current deficits, household indebtedness) diminish. Growth should slow down from 4.5% in 2004 to 3.4% in 2005. By contrast, the euro zone should grow by only 1.4% and 2.1% in 2004 and 2005. The impact of the recent appreciation of euro (– 1 point of GDP growth in 2004) and a restrictive policy mix should hinder growth, whereas the economic situation — a trough as deep as in the early 80s and early 90s — should require an expansionary policy.