5 of the world's biggest economies are at risk of recession

Five big economies are at risk of recession. It won't take much to push them over the edge.

The UK economy shrunk in the second quarter, and growth flat lined in Italy. Data published Wednesday show Germany economy, the world's fourth largest, contracted in the three months to June.

"The bottom line is that the German economy is teetering on the edge of recession," said Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics.

Mexico just dodged a recession— usually defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction — and its economy is expected to remain weak this year. Data suggest Brazil slipped into recession in the second quarter.

Each economy ranks among the largest 20 in the world. Singapore and Hong Kong, which are smaller but still serve as vital hubs for finance and trade, are also suffering.