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This Key Note Market Report covers the power tools industry in the UK. It estimates that the market was worth £218m in 2011, after rising by 2.3% on the previous year. It is the second year in a row that the industry has experienced value growth, after a decade of decline. However, the accessories category continues to shrink, having fallen by 3.3% to £29m over the course of the year, while the power tools segment rose by 3.3% to £189m over the same period. The report breaks down the power tools industry into different categories. Drills make up the largest share, representing 39.8% of the total market, followed by saws, which make up 17% of the market. The other tools segment is the fastest growing sector because it is the heading under which multi-functional tools fall into. Cordless power tools are, also, increasingly important in the industry, and are popular due their versatility, which increases consumers' ability to manoeuvre around. Cordless tools are primarily powered by batteries. The power tools industry has traditionally reflected the movements of the housing market in the UK. However, the growing popularity of do-it-yourself home improvements (DIY) has been favourable to the industry, independent of the property downturn. DIY is one of the trends that has emerged with the economic crisis in the UK. Consumers are finding ways to keep busy, while simultaneously saving money, and many are opting to re-decorate and re-model their homes themselves. This has had a positive impact on the industry, as power tools are required to implement the projects. However, the trend has resulted in the polarisation of the market. Certain consumers, who will use their tools once or sparingly, prefer to opt for own brands and imported value power tools. Others choose to buy brands, which guarantees a certain degree of quality and durability, including Black & Decker and Bosch. Key Note expects the revival of the power tools industry to fizzle out in the UK b

Thai defense expenditure increased at a CAGR of 5.14% during the review period and valued US$6.1 billion in 2013. The focus of the Thai government will be on the modernization of its armed forces, the arms race with other Asian countries, and border security

The Tunisian consumer was badly affected by the political crisis. With inflows of foreign investment and tourism being hit by the uncertain security situation, activity in the private sector was sluggish throughout 2011 and we estimate household spending grew by just 1.5% as a result. We see little room for a quick recovery in private consumption in 2012. Unemployment remains stubbornly high, running at over 15%, while the anticipated pick-up in foreign investment will take time to feed through to consumer spending. Moreover, much of the foreign aid that has been pledged to the government will likely be tied to specific infrastructure projects. Although this will have benefits in terms of employment, it will also limit the government's room to implement populist spending policies such as public sector wage hikes or increased subsidies for food and fuel, which would boost consumer spending more directly.