In a world of accelerating change and increasing complexity, A.T. Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council (GBPC) is committed to engaging in thoughtful discussion and analysis of the trends that may affect business and governments around the globe. In this quarterly publication from the GBPC, we share our ideas and perspectives on the important issues of the day and keep our members informed through continual analysis of events that could reshape the international business environment.

Cautious Investors Feed a Tentative Recovery
The 2012 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index® finds that FDI flows have picked up slightly in the past two years as investors cautiously reenter the markets. However, this modest optimism could quickly revert to retrenchment.

Aging Consumer: “Hey, Big Spender?”
By Martin Walker
By the end of this century, the world’s fastest-growing age group—and consumers—will be people over the age of 60. As today’s cult of youth is challenged by tomorrow’s cult of age, companies will have to rethink how they develop, market, label and promote their products.

The Eurozone Crisis: Scenarios to 2013
By Vijay Rajendran and Justin Shepherd
Fiscal and financial difficulties in the peripheral Eurozone economies, combined with a long-term structural lack of competitiveness, have created intra-Eurozone tensions and speculation about the future of the single currency. What happened? Where do we stand now and what’s next?

Food Price Volatility: Five Strategies to Manage Commodity Risk
By Dave Donnan and Erik Peterson
Commodity prices globally now stand at historic levels. Not since the explosive peak of commodities in 2008 and their subsequent precipitous drop have basic agricultural products reached such heights. This is not a short-term phenomenon that will subside.

Endgame in the Middle East
An interview with Steve Clemons
The momentous movement across the Middle East and North Africa is changing the political landscape forever, and forcing corporate leaders around the world to reassess old truths and future plans.

Graphic of the Issue: Youth Population Dwindles
In the next 15 years, less than one-fifth of the population in much of the developing world will be ages 14 to 25. China, India and the Middle East will have to prepare for the new demographics.

News from the Council Network
The Global Business Policy Council’s network of influential “thinkers and doers” based in some two dozen countries continue to be our eyes and ears in a turbulent world, keeping us apprised of members’ latest moves and other activities.