These numbers illustrate the strength and viability of these companies as investment opportunities.

The viability of defined benefit plans in the U.S. is questionable. It's a real conundrum.

France is benefiting from the global upturn we're seeing, with increasing numbers of companies in Asia and the U.S. buying investment goods in particular.

Aberdeen's key strength is its Asian equities team. Hugh Young has one of the most consistently strong investment track records among his peers and the quality and stability of his team is unrivalled.

We are about to move into a new phase when Russian state-controlled energy companies are opened for investment with cooperative foreign firms. It makes sense to have someone with international experience ? either corporate or political ? leading that process at the head of those companies.

The numbers seem a bit aggressive, but you will see rapid adoption near term. Companies are dipping their toe in the water and waiting for the technology to mature.