Global Economy. Having revised upwards its forecast for the global economy in 2010, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) now projects economic growth of 4.6%. In the view of the IMF, the economic performance of the United States and Europe in 2010 is likely to fall short of the figure forecast for the global economy.
Developments in the Retail Banking and Retail Industries. The investment levels of retail banks and retailers continue to be lower than those recorded prior to the economic and financial crisis. Yet, there are no signs of a sustainable improvement in investment spending. In retail banking and retailing replacement investments are still being postponed, whereas investment in streamlining and automation solutions remains more buoyant in light of competitive and cost-related pressure.
