The US, China, and India remain the world’s three largest markets for diamond jewelry and power the global industry’s growth (see Figure 1.1.3). The US confirmed its position as the world’s leading diamond retail market, powered by economic growth of approximately 2% in 2013—a big improvement from the 1.6% decline posted during and immediately after the global financial crisis. The consensus forecast among economists is that the US is on pace for a period of steady long-term GDP growth in the 2–3% range, which suggests that US demand for diamond jewelry will continue to rise. Recently released short-term forecasts of US GDP are even more optimistic, with expectations of economic growth slightly above 3% in 2015.