A weak dollar proved beneficial to narrowing the national trade deficit 9.8% in May.  The $26 billion deficit is the smallest since November of 1999. Durable good sent to emerging companies such as Brazil contributed to the 1.6% increase in exports which gave optimism to many U.S. manufacturers.  Assuming the dollar remains weak, foreign demand of U.S. products will be a key indicator of economic recovery in months to come.

Oil & Gas

Deal flow is steady and valuations are up in anticipation of a prosperous 2010.  The International Energy Agency predicts a 1.7% rebound in demand in 2010, which should lead to increased activity in the closing quarter of 2009.  Buyers with cash on-hand will look to expand geographically through acquisition before the spike in demand hits.