A majority of chief economists have shown a cautious optimism about the global economy with India's robust performance making South Asia the best performer worldwide, a survey showed on Wednesday. "Easing inflation and strong global commerce are fuelling cautious optimism for recovery but elevated debt levels are becoming a growing concern in both advanced and developing economies," the World Economic Forum said in its latest Chief Economists Outlook. The report, based on a survey of leading chief economists from across the world, highlighted that debt levels and fiscal challenges are placing significant pressure on economies worldwide leaving them vulnerable to future crises. A growing concern is a potential fiscal squeeze, where rising debt-servicing costs limit governments to invest in essential sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare. In developing economies, 39 per cent of economists expect an increase in defaults over the next year, the WEF said. Regionwise,