1. Global economy from boom to bust United States has been in recession since December 2007 Deepest global recession since WWII. Japan’s GDP dropped an unprecedented 13.7% in Q42008 Germany’s GDP fell by 8% in Q42008. South Africa’s exports contracted 16% In January China’s exports fell 25% in Feb 2009 Brazil’s GDP contracted 3.6% in the fourth quarter

2. World Bank calls for aid boost The World Bank President called on donors to boost financial aid to developing nations which find themselves at the mercy of a crisis that “is not of their making” Empowering developing and emerging countries and economies is imperative Helping nations pursue economic development and long-term prosperity should be the goal of development finance.

3. Commodities market Oil - $56.45 vs. recent high of $147.96 Gold has been rather steady, around $850. Wheat fell back to $5 after visiting $18 in just less than 6 months! Alternative energy resource such as corn has lost its value