Prospects 2015
International
_350.jpg "Houses under demolition a seem at Xintiandi area, one of the most expensive per square meter of Shanghai (Reuters/Carlos Barria)")
_350.jpg "An oil pumping machine is seen as non-usable gases are being burnt behind it (Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed)")
Global oil markets
2015 should see the lowest average oil price since 2010, amid slowing demand and strong US production
Climate change policy
The Paris summit will be seen as a 'limited success', while insurers may spur adaptation affecting consumers and cities
_263.jpg "Environmental advocates carry over their heads a giant purple globe in Manila (Reuters/Romeo Ranoco)")
Global metals market
Global metal markets have been bearish over the past three years, creating expectations of change in 2015
Global coal and gas
Coal and gas have seen sharp price drops, and face lower demand and production rationalisation
Manufacturing
US manufacturing output will continue to grow, as will ASEAN countries' sectors
Global bond markets
The rates decline that started with the 2008 crisis has not been reversed in 2014; rises are possible in 2015
Cyber trends
The Snowden revelations will continue reverbating into 2015, just as cyber security becomes increasingly important
Defence and security
The Middle East will be a key market in 2015 as European spending declines and China looks for domestic production
Global currencies
After two stronger than expected years, the euro has been weakening as the ECB implements more unconventional measures
Agriculture
Global agriculture in 2015 faces rising demand from the developing world and falling prices of agricultural inputs
Communicable diseases
Progress on combating communicable diseases is under threat
