Two-thirds of all CEOs surveyed believe the economy has improved during the past year and half expect further gains during the year ahead. The Vistage CEO Confidence Index was 105.2 in the 1st quarter of 2011, slightly below 106.3 recorded in the prior quarter but well above the 93.7 in last year’s 1st quarter survey. CEO confidence has more than doubled since the recession low of 48.7 two years ago. However, the small decline reflects a renewed uncertainty about the impact of events in Japan and the Middle East on energy costs, consumer spending and inflation. Overall, the majority of CEOs still expect the recovery to continue and their own businesses to continue to grow.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/vistage/45000/
A new survey says Americans’ confidence in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement remains at historically low levels in the face of job uncertainty and financial insecurity.
The 2012 annual Retirement Confidence Survey, released today by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) in Washington, and co-sponsored by the Principal Financial Group, finds only 14 percent of Americans are very confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement¹. Workers with the most debt have the least confidence.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54549-principal-financial-group-retirement-confidence-survey-job-insecurity-ebri
Uncertainty and erratic moves will be the norm rather than the exception reports Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist, in its economic outlook for the third quarter of 2011. The second half of 2011 will be volatile and the uncertainty almost as great as during the financial crisis.
The most probable outlook for Q3 is that the world extends monetary stimulus across the global economies. This will bring marginal higher growth but also increase the burden on fiscal payments and a need for structural changes. Any long-term solution needs to be forward looking and involve an agenda for dragging Europe out of the low growth stalemate. A solution based on buying more time will only take us closer to the feared full blown Crisis 2.0.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/saxobank/50522/
Despite continuing economic uncertainty in 2010, SPIE’s business held up well, and profitability improved for the fifth year running. The Group broke new ground in all of its markets and saw organic growth resume in France
With consolidated turnover up 0.7% year-on-year to €3.75 billion, annual business volume stabilised, underpinned by a balanced customer portfolio and good anticipation of sector trends, with growth in the healthcare and social housing sectors, sustained mobility in cities, demand for energy efficiency in services and manufacturing, the solar photovoltaic boom and the roll-out of broadband networks being just a few examples. In addition, SPIE further strengthened its excellent position in the energy markets.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/spie/48893/
As the United States and Europe grapple with economic uncertainty, the Canton Fair has become an even more essential platform for foreign businesses seeking trade opportunity and new territory for business.
The Canton Fair is the largest trade fair in China, drawing the best of Chinese manufacturers and more than 2,000 foreign companies from over 50 countries every year, including the US, Japan, Germany, Italy and the UK. In response to the global economic crisis, the fair had adapted in recent years to present new opportunities for foreign and Chinese businesses, as well as buyers.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55419-tap-into-the-china-opportunity-at-the-canton-fair
During the third quarter, we were again able to capture the benefits of AEGON’s strategic priorities, resulting in solid earnings growth, improved profitability of sales, lower expenses and a continued strong capital position. Our franchise remains healthy, as evidenced by the particularly high level of At-Retirement and pension sales. At the same time, we are making essential investments to reshape our businesses in both our established and developing markets to respond effectively to the changing conditions and new realities. Although there are signs of gradually improving market conditions, there remains considerable uncertainty in the general economic environment. Consequently, we believe it is prudent and necessary to maintain a sufficient financial buffer while at the same time adhering to our strict risk and pricing discipline. The steps we are taking across our organization to get closer to our end customers, combined with the strength of our current position, give us full confidence in the prospects for our business going forward.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58637-aegon-quarter-3-results
Final preparations are now underway for the 112th installment of the Canton Fair, China’s biggest trade event set to run from October 15 to November 4, 2012 in Guangzhou. In this time of global economic uncertainty, concerted efforts have been made to ensure that the Fair continues its track record of great commercial success.
Overseeing China’s highest profile trade event, organizers have implemented a raft of new measures to streamline services, stimulate new business, maintain sustainable development, enhance security, and generally refine the experience for all attendees.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58500-112th-canton-fair-an-ever-improving-platform-for-china-global-trade
Eating difficulties and weight loss can be struggles for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The Brookdale Alzheimer's Resource Center offers fresh multimedia information this week to explain the issue and give practical tips to family caregivers on how to make mealtimes easier and more successful for their loved ones.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7087731-brookdale-senior-living/
The holiday season provides the perfect opportunity to give thanks and to give back to youth who are facing challenges within our communities. In days of uncertainty, there are still people who are providing direction and mentoring to high-risk youth to help them succeed in spite of the unfortunate circumstances they may have encountered. Many studies indicate that a young person’s success can be greatly enhanced by an advocate or mentor — an adult who consistently helps a young person stay on track to graduate and make better life choices. Goodwill’s GoodGuides program is the source of many modern-day mentoring success stories.
The GoodGuides program provides mentoring to youth, ages 12–17, who are at risk of dropping out of school and/or falling into delinquency. The program helps them finish school, transition into the world of work and prepare for success by pairing them with trusted adult volunteer mentors. Mentors help youth overcome disadvantages such as failure in school due to poor grades or low attendance, or avoid delinquency due to issues such as abuse, disability, drug or alcohol dependence, family violence or gang membership.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7057252-goodwill-givegoodwill-campaign/
New research by Johnson Controls, the global leader in delivering solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings, shows energy efficiency interest rose 116 percent globally since 2010, with those who set goals making the greatest strides in reducing energy use. Momentum is also growing for green-building certification and green-tenant space leasing although many cite a lack of funding and uncertainty over government reform as obstacles to investment.
To view MultimediaNews Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/57694-johnson-controls-2013-energy-efficiency-indicator-global-survey/
Junior Achievement USA® (JA) today announced the launch of its JA Heroes PSA campaign. The goal of this campaign is to connect volunteer mentors with young people to give kids the power to see their future, unleash their potential and let their dreams take flight.
Positive role models in the lives of young people are shown to help inspire them to overcome difficult circumstances. Yet today, millions of kids live in situations where they do not have access to mentors who can give them the guidance or insight they need to rise above negative peer pressure, economic uncertainty or simply a lack of direction.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7553451-ja-heroes-psa-campaign/
