Cover story

Wall Street and financial analysts give their 2009 profit outlook for chemicals

A global recession, demand destruction and asset deflation - not your usual wish list for the New Year. What do the financial pros forecast for 2009?

IT WAS a harrowing end to 2008. The financial crisis, which started in the US, triggered a worldwide economic downturn as demand fell off a cliff late in the fourth quarter. Inventory destocking is still the name of the game, from cars to chemicals to retail goods.