Successful manipulation of the economy  depends on overcoming shortages. Using both transport and trade,  you must establish a balanced supply (of at least two units per turn) of timber, wool, and iron ore for the early development of your Empire . You should bid on resources that you cannot obtain in your country, either because you have not found them or because your builders and engineers have not connected them yet.

Once you have supplies of the three basic resources, work toward reliable sources (one unit per turn) of both copper and tin. Again, use trade bids to fill needs that your local resources do not meet.

When these early goals are met, you should begin to expand in both the New World and the Old World. This expansion involves transporting riches or rare products from the New World.  Your trade bids will again have to be used to meet needs that cannot be obtained through transport.