Psychosis

The whole world is looking at the evolution of the stock market. The decreasing share prices brought along panic and new speculations about a possible recession. But even financial analysists must admit that the recent evolutions are more based on psychology -or even psychosis- than on the current situation and behavior of companies and consumers.

Read all about it in this week's column.

Consumers become swarms

Our digitale age also influences the way we decide what to buy and consume. AdAge predicts that BRAND SWARMS will find their way in 2008: people will be influenced more and more by other consumers: their partner, kids, friends, colleagues and also social networks. So, goodbye 1-to-1 marketing, hello social networks. Brands will have to behave even more excellent and consequently in order to be recommended.

Read all about it in this week's column.

Recession or not?

One of my latest columns, regarded a slight decrease in consumer confidence at the end of 2007 and announcements of a recession of the economy. Interesting to read how NRC Handelsblad also published a commentary on this issue. It was titled 'Self-confidence of the European Economy'. Key message is that we mustn't let ourselves talk into a recession. Yes, the US is heading for a financial crisis, but consumer and business confidence in Europe is still good. Read the comment article here.

Green car show

This week the 86th edition of the car show lands in Brussels. Theme this year is the environment. The show illustrates how cars and green can go hand in hand. But, not only green is hot, cheap is the newest trend, abroad but soon in our regions too.

Read all about it in this week's column.

The year of China

Thé picture of 2007, that also perfectly announces 2008, is this one. It was published last summer in Het Nieuwsblad, one year before the official start of the Olympic Games. No doubt, 2008 will be the year of China. Already last year we were impressed by the economic growth of the country and China is expected to be the largest economic force by 2030, though some suggest a yellow bubble is created.
It is my belief that the Olympic Games will do the same for China as Expo 58 did for Belgium and Western Europe 50 years ago.

Read all about it in this week's column.