Which of the following statements best applies to the economy of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century ...

Which of the following statements best applies to the economy of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Europe?
 
  A) The joint-stock company enabled the raising of spectacular sums of capital for world trading ventures.
  B) The early seventeenth century saw a general stagnation in the areas of mining and metallurgy.
  C) Technological innovations improved the lives of peasants dramatically.
  D) The population explosion made for urban growth and more social equality in cities.
  E) An economic depression occurred because of a lack of precious metals in circulation.