WHAT'S NEW? Contents for Probe's Latest Chemical Outlook (August 2011) OVERVIEW U.S. Economic Slowdown. (Page 1) European Crisis. (Page 2 Rest of World Mixed. (Page 3 Oil Price Drivers. (Page 4) Probe's Oil Price Forecasts. (Page 5) Implications for Chemical Prices, Especially Propylene. (Page 6) DATA TABLES Economic and Chemical Industry Indicators: Poor Visibility. (Page 7) Energy and Chemical Prices: Teetering. (Page 8) Other Developments This month, Probe updated its annual forecasting study, Feedstock Petrochemical and Polymer Price and Margin Forecasts, with multi-scenario forecasts available out to 2017 and 2030. Probe has updated its model and database to track goods, such as chemicals and polymers, that are contained in the exports and imports of other goods, such as automobiles and apparel. The results are found in two studies, New Model and Database to Help You Understand Hidden Foreign Trade Impacts on Your Business; and The Real U.S. Trade Balance in Plastics Resins: HDPE, LLDPE, Polystyrene, Polypropylene, PVC, ABS/SAN, Polycarbonate and Epoxies. Extensive databases will be provided. Last year's study is still available. In June, Probe's president, Dr. Frederick M. Peterson, made a presentations on the World Economy, Energy and Chemicals and Shale Gas Boost for U.S. Chloro-Vinyls: Can Others Play the Game? before the 15th World Chlor-Alkali Conference in Singapore. In the next few months, Dr. Frederick M. Peterson will be speaking to clients about his recent business trip to India and the effect of the current economic slowdown on chemical prices and volumes. DISCLAMER: Probe Economics LLC is not a licensed investment or financial advisor and makes no warranties with respect to the observations and forecasts presented here, other than to have developed them in a diligent and professional manner, and assumes no liability for consequential damages resulting from any use made of these observations and forecasts. For more information, E-Mail us at fred@probeeconomics.com Copyright © 2011 Probe Economics LLC All rights reserved.