It’s a new era in Indonesia: global capital markets have recovered significantly since the financial crisis of 2008, and in 2010 the GDP grew 6.1 percent and GDP per capita hit US$3,000, according to the IMF World Fact Book.

A relief from the heat came in the form of increased consumption of soft drinks in Russia, which increased 24% since last year — a sign of recovering consumer confidence.

Through the second half of 2010, the pace of recovery is split between lagging developed economies mired in economic malaise and developing economies that exhibit stronger consumer spending.

Chinese consumer confidence continues to build going into 2010, up three points since the third quarter of 2009 and reaching highs not seen since the second half of 2007

Driven by a more positive outlook on job prospects and personal finances, Hong Kong consumers are boosting consumption and spending

Mirroring the sentiments of consumers in many other countries, the British are feeling increasingly positive about their job prospects and personal finances but remain cautious

Over the past six months, Canadian consumers have stopped talking about recession and changed the conversation to recovery.

Nordic consumers have more confidence in the economy and their personal finances than the rest of Europe and are increasingly ready to spend, according to the latest edition of the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey.

It is now accepted wisdom that the recession has essentially come to an end. And as it recedes, observers are beginning to look at the damage wrought as well as how retailers, manufacturers and consumers changed their behavior. A new report from The Nielsen Company, “Reading the Recession,” reveals how the recession has affected the leading brands, consumer behavior and job vacancies. Using key economic indicators, consumer research, recruitment data, web site measurement and advertising spend, Nielsen has analyzed the impact of the recession on the UK and identified sectors showing early signs of recovery.

Vietnam’s business leaders expect to return to double-digit growth in 2010, according to the latest edition of the Nielsen Vietnam’s Business Barometer.