background macro picture - positive signs

Hi All

Found these on the BBC over the weekend. Thought they'd be worth sharing.

There seem to be more positive headlines starting to flow since the beginning of 2012. Also worth considering that it's an election year in the U.S., which should mean the government there will be doing its best to support the economy and push up consumer confidence.

Positives for Platinum:

Volkswagen sells record 5.1 million cars in 2011 ; ' The German firm sold 5.1 million cars worldwide in 2011, a rise of 13.1% on the previous year. Europe and China were the company's biggest markets, with 1.72 million cars sold in each.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16441778


US economy creates 200,000 jobs in December ; 'The US economy created 200,000 jobs in December, marking the sixth month in a row of gains, official figures show.'

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16445441

Cheers

Gus