For the next 6 months, stocks in the coal industry will most likely meander around current levels until investors get a better sense of the health of the global economy. The status of the housing, credit and job markets will directly and indirectly dictate the medium-term outlook for coal miners and the commodity. The problems associated with the deterioration of the U.S. economy have trickled through the rest of the world, and what have been particularly worrisome are the effects on China and India. In recent years, these two countries have been experiencing rapid growth and their consumption of coal has followed suit, giving support to global prices. However, as exports make up roughly 40% of China's GDP, the global slowdown has decreased China's demand for electricity, iron ore and coking coal. This has put downward pressure on coal prices and producers alike. While we have

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Missouri has a very diversified economy. It has a large service sector, wholesale, retail, manufacturing and agricultural. It is a top producer of automobiles, beer and aerospace technology. Some lesser known facts about Missouri follow:1. Missouri’s top commodities are soybeans, cattle and calves and corn.2. 14,842 new businesses settled in Missouri during 2007.3. Top manufacturing industries in the state are: transportation equipment, food products, and fabricated metals.4. The manufacturing industry employs 13% of the work force.5. Missouri exports chemicals, machinery and food products to South Korea, China and Japan.6. The High-tech industry of Missouri employs 4% of the work force.7. Missouri offers over $306 million in incentives for biofuel energy development, along with tax credits.8. Forest products contribute $1.69 billion to the economy.9. Top industries depending on exports are the aircraft manufacturing, and the wholesale ...