1.

Why are there various reports for the same product?

Products and Markets are defined by the level at which the product is sold in a particular market. Thus reports will exist for a particular product at the manufacturing level, i.e. the market level at which a manufacturer sells; and reports will exist for the same product at a wholesale and a retail level. The market value of the product will of course vary according to the market level analysed. Readers should ensure that they are fully aware of the market level at which a report is providing data.

Please read the notes in the Market Definitions

2.

Why are the report pages formatted into frames and tables?

The report pages are produced in frames and tables, rather than more dynamic web pages, to allow users to directly use the pages in printed documents. Users may open any of the '.htm' pages as a Word Processor page and then edit and save it to a print document or other file type.

3.

Does the forecasting methodology take 'Climate Change' into account?

The forecasting methodology for both market and financial forecasts does take the potential effects of climate change into account. The United Nations, OECD and various other forecasting models will in future provided some 'Climate Change' indicators in their forecasts, however these forecasts tend to be politically influenced. The DataGroup forecasting methodology uses scientific forecasting models to attempt to evaluate these factors and then project their effects on supply and demand.

See CLIMATE CHANGE

4.

What are the forecasts for Supply and Demand Pricing of Commodities, Fuels and Energy?

An essential part of the DataGroup forecasting models is the effects of Supply and Demand Pricing of Commodities, Fuels and Energy and these are included in the market and financial forecasts for goods, supplies and services.

There are separate DataGroup forecasts produced for Materials, Supplies, Fuels and Energy. These databases are available for each product.

5.

Are the various databases compatible?

All DataGroup databases are now compatible and may be used without any conversion routines.

See Harmonisation of databases and specifications.