The global economy has yet to shake off the fallout from the crisis of 2008–2009. Global growth dropped to almost 3 percent in 2012, which indicates that about a half a percentage point has been  shaved off the long-term trend since the crisis emerged. This slowing trend will likely continue. This special issue of StraightTalk provides two possible explanations for the slow growth of the global economy: a lack of demand or the weakening of supply drivers. In addition to outlining the downside risks that exist, this special release points out the opportunities that can drive a positive deviation from a slow-growth trend.