News about the American economy is almost uniformly bad these days. The latest report from the Commerce Dept. shows a decline in capital spending last month. Durable goods orders were basically flat, while businesses spent less on equipment and machinery.

Worse, unemployment remains near a 26-year high. The lack of jobs has caused new home sales to fall to the lowest level since 1963 and has put a damper on other forms of consumer spending too. With consumer spending comprising nearly 70% of our economy, no wonder businesses are reluctant to hire. It's a vicious circle that may take some time to bottom out.

As investors, we can't afford to sit on our hands and wait for a recovery. Especially when there are other parts of the world where economic growth remains robust and the opportunities to make profits are plentiful.

You may have seen much in the news recently claiming that China is poised for a slowdown, but let me assure you—the concerns are overblown. Sure, China's economic growth could come in at a “moderate” 8-9% over the next few months. But that's still many times faster growth than what's taking place in the U.S. (If only America had 8% growth right now!)

Let's remember that (unlike our government) China has huge financial reserves and exercises strong control over its economy. It is conducting the largest infrastructure and urbanization programs in history—programs which are turning the country into a wealthy, modern state in record time.

That level of wealth creation is something every investor should be a part of—particularly when opportunities in the Western world are getting harder to find.

Bringing The Pieces Together