And lower long-term interest rates mean cheaper long-term borrowing, and so will tend to bolster demand.

Some seasonal weather should bolster demand for heating oil and related products and breathe some life back into a weakened sector.

With yields still close to historically low levels, government borrowing to fund much-needed infrastructure not only serves to bolster demand in uncertain times, but also strengthens the economy's supply side.

Real short-term interest rates were held at or below zero for most of the time between 2001 and early 2005, bolstering demand.

There are speed restrictions on just 30% of the country's 15,600 miles of autobahn, bolstering demand for powerful vehicles.