A goal for Spain's economy

Spain's soccer World Cup triumph may just have come as a shot in the arm for its troubled economy. The celebrations and revelry are expected to last for days, possibly months, giving a fillip to consumer spending. According to ABN AMRO Bank estimates, it could add a quarter percentage point to the GDP growth in 2010.

For Spain, that could mean expansion this year instead of the contraction projected earlier. And no, it may not be just wishful thinking. Italy's triumph over France in 2006, according to some estimates, added half a percentage point to the GDP growth rate that year. Jubilant consumers typically spend more, says ABN AMRO Bank. Now, if only our cricketers could lift the cricket World Cup in 2011. It may give India Inc. plenty to smile about!

THUMBS UP FOR ESPANA

• Consumer spending will get a fillip
• Economy could pull out of recession