At the end of last year, GDP rose at a 3.4 percent annualized pace, while GDI jumped 4.8 percent, the most in two years.

As safety concerns limit the company's ability to boost production, CFO Brian West predicts a massive cash drain this quarter—an outflow of at least $4 billion.

Swiss rates, plus various other trends in the global economy—in chart form.

Companies with any international operations should ensure they have a robust written policy and compliance program focused on anti-bribery and -corruption.