Final answer:
The rate of change in retailing globally is closely linked to the speed of economic development. While related factors such as literacy rate and inflation impact development, economic growth, often measured by GDP growth rate, is a primary driver.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate of change in retailing around the world appears to be directly related to the speed of economic development.
Economic indicators like literacy rate, population growth, inflation, and exchange rates can influence economic development, but the dynamism seen in the retail sector is generally a result of how quickly an economy is growing.
This growth is often measured by the percentage change in real (inflation-adjusted) gross domestic product, and a growth rate of more than 3% is widely regarded as positive.
Developing countries facing moderate to high inflation, such as Mexico, benefit from an exchange rate regime that can help stabilize their economies amidst international trade. Therefore, the right type of exchange rate regime is also crucial for such countries.
Therefore, the correct answer is 4) speed of economic development