Leaders at the G20 summit of the world's leading economies in Canada have reiterated the need to support the global economic recovery.
But the BBC reports differences are emerging about the best way to achieve this among a group which spans the emerging economic powers as well as the developed economies, where the trouble first started.
When the G20 summit began in 2008 the world economy seemed to be on the edge of the abyss.
Since then the pressure has eased substantially and most economies are recovering.
But the strength of the rebound varies, many rich countries are now wrestling with relatively weak growth and severely stretched government finances.
The G20 leaders are agreed on the need to tackle both problems.
In Europe several governments have decided they need to cut their borrowing needs quickly.
But some, notably President Obama, are concerned that moving too aggressively might set back the economic recovery.
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Europe and Japan should boost domestic demand instead of cutting spending.
Brazil warned that steep budget cuts could harm emerging economies.
