2009 would perhaps be another challenging year after the unprecedented global economic recession in Sept 2008 spawned by the credit crunch in the US.  There are a lot of questions unanswered.   How long would this recession last?  How would the world economies recover despite the cut in interest rates to almost zero? Would the declining demand continue and for how long?  The worst effects of the credit crunch may have yet to be felt by the ordinary man on the street. In the midst of this difficult economic situation, the conflict in the Middle East has worsened as Israel and Palesntinian’s Hamas faction continue their war.  What’s your outlook for the new year?  Are you optimistic or pessimistic?