Back from the brink

2009 has been a year of uncertainty. As we prepared for our Convention in Düsseldorf last autumn, we were in the midst of the biggest performance debacle our industry had ever faced. The world's economies were at a standstill, and governments had to step in to assure that the economic well-being of their countries' economies could be salvaged.

Thankfully, the steps that were taken seem to have rescued us from the brink of disaster.

In our industry, prices have increased dramatically over the course of the year. A lower US dollar, better-than-anticipated economies in the industrialising nations and government economic stimuli have all contributed to our better business.  While our activities might not be the best in historic terms, they certainly are better than they were.

Seethe monthly world wide market update in our Members only section withreports from key countries.