Raising consumer confidence would help counter uncertainties

The terrorist attacks in Paris and the shooting down of a Russian fighter jet by Turkey have definitely added more uncertainties to the already weak global growth.

So this year's Black Friday annual shopping ritual in the US has added significance as it shows the way the world's two largest economies can better drive global growth.

With consumer spending one of the few bright spots in the generally gloomy outlook for global growth, policymakers from major economies such as China and the United States should work closely with each other and coordinate their efforts to shore up domestic consumer confidence so it can act as a brace for the looming storm likely to be triggered by either the worsening international situation or increased global financial instability.