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Thanks to the robust retail sales outlook, increasing tourism arrivals and a strengthening Singaporean dollar, the domestic consumer sector is expected to weather the global economic slowdown relatively well. We are forecasting total retail sales to grow from SGD47.28bn (US$36.94bn) in 2012 to SGD51.34bn (US$42.78bn) in 2016.

BMI View: By supplying oil to Syria, Venezuela may have exposed itself to the threat of sanctions. The ill health of President Hugo Chavez ahead of October 2012 elections also generates fresh uncertainty with regard to the outlook for the country's oil production. Huge heavy oil potential and now signs that gas self-sufficiency - and more - can be achieved, means that Venezuela is in a strong position, if it can keep the political situation under control.

BMI View: As foreign private investors become increasingly wary of Argentina, in the wake of the governments announced plans to nationalise Spanish oil major Repsol's holdings, the outlook is weak for new developments. China remains a dominant force in Argentina's construction industry, thanks to a US$10bn credit agreement extended by the country. Industry value is forecast to reach US$27.7bn in 2012, with year-on-year (y-o-y) growth of 3.3%. The sector is then expected to grow to US$49.3bn by 2016.

Over the next five years, the Tire Manufacturing industry will continue to recover, with pent-up demand for tires boosting sales growth. Fuel-efficient tires that cater to cost-efficient consumers will be popular among consumers and help drive industry sales. Firms will invest in creating tires that cater to this demand as fuel prices rise and environmental awareness grows. Nevertheless, overseas competition and demand will continue to threaten this industry's performance.

Companies in this industry manufacture solar panels and intermediate products that are necessary for manufacturing solar panels.

ATM cards benefited from the leading banks' investment in infrastructure during the review period. Banks sought to offer greater convenience to consumers in order to gain share, resulting in ATM and branch network expansion with a focus on high traffic areas. In addition, ATM cards benefited from banks' focus on consumer education and on encouraging consumers to use a widening range of banking products, with this boosting the use of current accounts.

Libya is at a significant crossroads following the conclusion of the country's civil war in 2011, and the subsequent end of the 42-year rule of its leader Colonel Muammar Qadhafi. The country is home to an educated population and a considerable oil and petrochemicals industry. For these reasons, the internal situation in Libya has significant ramifications beyond the country's borders. The report examines Libya's current defence and security environment, and the prospects for restoring the country to normality following the end of the civil war. The general conclusion reached is that while Libya has a clear potential to emerge as a peaceful, democratic and prosperous member of the international community much work remains to be done in stabilising the current security situation.

2011 was a challenging year for Canada's world-class life insurance segment. Low interest rates, volatile financial markets, the complexities of changing regulation and, perhaps above all else, strong competition in most lines kept profits under downwards pressure. Nevertheless, the results that were published by the three largest listed life insurers - Great West Lifeco, Sun Life Financial and Manulife - highlighted these giants' strengths. Although the details differed from company to company, each highlighted the benefits of: deliberate focus on more rapidly growing and/or more profitable lines; product innovation; development of new distribution channels; use of technology (including iPhone apps for customers) to improve overall efficiency and customer service; powerful brands; capital strength, and absolute scale. Each of the three has acquired and built very substantial businesses in the US and elsewhere in the world. Looking forward, none of the three expects that overall operating conditions will improve much in 2012, but each is confident of delivering positive outcomes to customers and shareholders.

The Airline industry in China operates aircraft for the transportation of passengers. This industry includes international and domestic passenger air transportation services.

GlobalData's pharmaceuticals report, "Aricept (Alzheimer's disease) - Analysis and Forecasts to 2022" provides Aricept global sales estimates. In addition, it covers detailed clinical assessment of the drug, factors impacting drug sales, competitive landscape, and analysis of sales performance during the forecast period (2002-2022). The report also includes information on Alzheimer's disease market. This report is built using data and information sourced from GlobalData's proprietary databases, primary and secondary research using Company's corporate website, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases, both from company and industry-specific third party sources, put together with in-house analysis, by GlobalData's team of industry experts.