Increased global trade forecasted

The World Trade Organization predicted an increase in global goods trade growth in 2006. Economists for the WTO expect year-over-year growth of 7 percent in 2006, a half-point higher than predictions for 2005. While growth was 9 percent in 2004, reduced consumer and business confidence in more robust economies is blamed for the decline. The WTO said the 7-percent figure is based on a modest recovery in the world economy.