ReleaseWire

The UAE Retail Report examines the long-term potential of the local consumer market, but flags shortterm concerns about the impact on the UAE's economic outlook of lacklustre growth in the private nonhydrocarbon sector because of weak credit conditions.

Core Views Elevated risks of instability in Israel's neighbours, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank and Gaza, have raised political risks, and investors' risk appetite may be tempered by the potential for a spillover of instability into the country's borders. We highlight rising tension with Iran as a particular concern. The probability of a successful peace negotiation between Israel and the Palestinian territories has declined markedly, as the Palestinian Authority has sought reconciliation with Hamas and a unilateral path to statehood through the UN. The economy's growth momentum is set to slow in the quarters ahead. Headwinds from the slowing global economy, as well as higher energy prices - which will weigh on private consumption - will drag on headline growth throughout the year. We forecast real GDP growth of 3.2% in 2012, down from an estimated 4.8% in 2011. Major Forecast Changes We expect Israel's fiscal deficit to increase in 2012. Recently announced spending measures are a further signal that the government's fiscal consolidation plans have taken a back seat, while a precarious macroeconomic outlook will shrink tax revenues and push the shortfall further into the red. We have revised up our 2012 budget deficit forecast from 2.8% of GDP to 3.8%, compared with 3.1% in 2011. Key Risk To Outlook House prices in Israel have risen rapidly in recent years, raising concerns that a bubble has formed in the property market. However, an increase in supply, coupled with macroprudential measures on the part of the government designed to bring down prices, have seen the market cooling rapidly in the past few months. A sharp drop in prices could lead to a decline in residential construction, weighing on fixed investment throughout the year. A sharper-than-expected downturn in the global economy - which could be sparked by a credit event in Europe or a 'hard landing' in the Chinese economy - would hit Israel's economy badly. Exports have already been hit by stagnant demand in Europe and elsewhere, and a further slowdown in external demand would see the outlook for exports deteriorating even further.

Cat food had 3% value growth in 2011, reaching C$655 million while volume sales had a moderate 1% increase to reach 153,342 tonnes. The rising cost of pet ownership placed considerable pressure on consumers, who became more selective and cautious when making food purchases for their pet cats. Sales of dry cat food continued to outpace wet cat food. In 2011, sales rose by 5% to reach C$376 million while volume increased by 2%, reaching 101,525 tonnes.

Black standard tea is a traditional and highly popular drink in India and accounted for some 84% of tea retail volume sales in 2011. However, urban health conscious Indians are increasingly curious about testing new products. Green tea and speciality tea are growing at a faster rate than black standard tea. In addition, Hindustan Unilever is introducing new ranges of flavours under its Brooke Bond Taj Mahal brand in order to cater to these changing tastes. The company claims that these new...

In 2011, jeans performed better than overall clothing in France. Indeed, despite the fact that French consumers continued to reduce their overall spending in terms of apparel purchases, they still purchased jeans as it remained an indispensable fashion garment in their wardrobe. Moreover, the fashion trends of skinny jeans also contributed to boost overall sales of jeans in 2011, as it became increasingly popular in France.

Confectionery is generally consumed as an energy-boost snack or meal-ender. This explains why all food retail outlets stock sweets, for example. Confectionery is taking the place of desserts as a meal-ender, partly because it is available in single-serve packs.

American Express' travel services experienced positive growth for the second consecutive year thanks to continued innovation in new products and services targeting an increasingly varied consumer base. Although competition from OTAs is increasing, American Express retains a strong position on the market thanks to its powerful brand and marketing efforts. The company is also expected to maintain healthy performance by reaching out to new markets more efficiently through a new structure.

GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist, has released its latest research, "Polymer Industry in India - Export Opportunities and Promising Growth in Domestic Packaging and Automotive Sectors to Drive the Demand". The study from the company's Petrochemical Research Group provides an in-depth analysis of the Indian polymer industry. It highlights the major features of the industry and explains the reasons behind its impressive growth in the last decade. The report gives the historic and forecast demand for polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)) in the region, and discusses the major end use sectors which will drive the polymer demand in India. It also explains the factors which are facilitating the growth of processed plastics exports from India, and gives forecasts for polymer production for the next five years.

GlobalData's report, "LG Chem, Ltd. Petrochemicals Capacity and SWOT Analysis - 2012 Update" provides detailed information of company's business activities. The report covers its petrochemical capacity, plants details and capacity share information. In addition, it presents company's financial details and deals landscape. It also details recent developments related to the company.

VIPStockReport.com Is Issuing New Trend Analysis Research On The Nutritional Supplement and Beverages Industry: Full Motion Beverage Inc. (PINK:FMBV)

The 6th Annual SpoCom Super Show proves to be a success for the AERO Crew and the launch of their new product SHIELD.

Alex Hernandez, author of “Weight Loss Secrets of Superstars,” has announced that he will pay $5,000 to anyone who can find a book that teaches everything that he does in his book.

The American Machine Shops Network (AMSN) founded by Oxford, MA resident and quality manufacturing specialists Don LaBelle announced today its new buyer program to help companies across the Bay State source for machined metal parts, plastic molding, metal fabricating and precision CNC machining services at mfgpartners.net/precision-cnc-machining The company said its website has been completely revised to better match businesses with quality-approved US-based manufacturers specializing in made-to-order parts and components.

Reverend Daniel Chapin, OSM. has served on the board for each of the Universal Life Churches over the course of the past twenty years and is considered a foremost expert regarding weddings. Recently Chapin was interviewed concerning the laws regarding Universal Life Church Ministers being able to officiate weddings within the USA. Chapin includes a special definition of a minister as defined under the IRS and Supreme Court decision following the "Knight Case."

PMP Legal, a full service law firm internet marketing company, recently opened for business.

Drs. Robert A. Miller, Juliana F. Miller, and Ann-Colter Cheron of Miller Orthodontics are currently taking a two-year post-graduate continuing education course given by Dr. Richard McLaughlin, a leader in orthodontics. Miller Orthodontics has been providing comprehensive orthodontic care to Culpeper, Centreville, Warrenton and all surrounding Virginia area residents and families since 1988.

Craig Technologies, one of the top Florida machine shops, announced today the company is expanding its manufacturing capabilities by negotiating a loan for 1,600 pieces of Space Shuttle processing equipment from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

99 Dollar Laptop, a company that offers its customers laptops that cost $99 or less, has just opened for business.

For many in America, the summer of 1967 was a time filled with love and peace. However, for the greater world stage, the Vietnam War was in full roar and many working class leaders were at the height of their political revolutions. Now, for the first time ever, Nick Gallicchio fuses these two worlds of fiction and fact in his new book, “Summer of Love- 1967”.

For optimum summer comfort, it is important to service an air conditioning system regularly. HVAC companies recommend bi-yearly service tune-ups, so it is helpful to take certain things into consideration when hiring an air conditioning contractor.

Lone Star Termite & Pest Control is once again spreading the word about prevalent termite types and warning signs as part of their annual outreach to Southern California residents and businesses. The Bed Bugs Los Angeles specialists provide termite and pest control solutions for residential, commercial and real estate property holders throughout Southern California.

ZLC Financial Group is working to spread the word among Canadian businesses that despite the rising costs of employee benefits, employers still have a number of employee benefits plan options that can save them money and help control costs. ZLC Financial Group has been one of Canada’s leading family-owned financial and insurance providers for 60 years. The company offers a wide range of employee benefit, insurance and retirement, private investment management and structured settlement solutions.

According to statistics, half of all marriages end in divorce. These sobering numbers show just how important it is to understand the process of filing for divorce.

McCafferty Funeral Home is now offering cost-effective funeral and cremation services in Philadelphia, PA. McCafferty Funeral Home is also providing this extensive line of funeral services in Philadelphia to help ease the preparations for an individual or family when it comes to having a funeral or memorial service for their loved one.