Some say the world will end, but unexpected phenomenons are unlikely to happen. Some say the world economy will collapse due to huge debts being owed up, but it's too early to be determined. Only current statistics will show the real thing. Some say the gas prices will rise to $5 a gallon nationally but hasn't happened yet. The year of the dragon isn't going to save us all from the doom and gloom, but luck is still on our side.
The biggest factor to a great depression and recession all this time all happened in 2001 when America was attacked which changed the world for good.