The European Commission cut its euro-region growth forecast for next year by more than half and said it sees the risk of a recession as leaders struggle to contain the fiscal crisis. Gross domestic product may grow 1.5 percent this year and 0.5 percent in 2012, the Brussels-based commission said today. It had earlier projected the 17-nation region to expand 1.6 percent and 1.8 percent this year and next, respectively. In 2013, the economy may expand 1.3 percent, the commission said. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-...forecast-to-0-5-on-worsening-debt-crisis.html Austerity measure here, Eurozone sovereign debt problems there. Perfect mix for a nice protracted recession for the next couple of years, maybe decade? Well done, braniacs!