May 13, 2009 -- Some 50 percent of international credit reporting and credit insurance agencies from around the globe, surveyed by global trade consulting firm Whitehall Consultants, report their economies are showing signs of life after the recession put the brakes on global trade last fall.

The survey, conducted during April, queried business and personal credit reporting agencies and international credit insurers operating in more than 200 countries or major markets around the globe. Most respondents noted that their economies are starting to show signs of improvement following the global recession that started as a sub-prime mortgage crisis in the U.S. in 2007.

"We received responses from companies in Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, and while this survey is not scientific, it does provide a good informal indicator at this time, said Maura Satchell, CEO of Whitehall Consultants. "Latin American respondents noted little or no change to their economies, and Asian respondents for the most part, indicated that the economies of their region are picking up. By contrast, European survey takers said they expect to remain in decline for several more months to come, and North American counterparts are hopeful their downward spirals are bottoming out."

Respondents also weighed in on the results of the November 2008 U.S. presidential election. "An overwhelming majority - 80 percent of respondents - indicated they believe the Obama administration will be a positive force in the coming years for America and the world," Satchell said.

Founded in 1996 to serve the international trade finance and credit community, Whitehall offers international business and individual credit reports, country risk and market sector studies, marketing lists, and debt collection services. Part of a network of trusted business information, credit and collections professionals based in more than 200 markets around the globe, Whitehall provides its services to U.S. exporters, global traders, international financial institutions, and government entities throughout the world.

For More Information Contact:

Whitehall Consultants
Smyrna, Tenn
Tel: 615-223-1125
FAX: 615-223-1436
Internet: info@whitehallusa.com

Whitehall Consultants Ltd.

PO Box 1715 ~ Smyrna, TN 37167 ~ USA

Tel: (615) 223-1125 ~ E-mail: info@whitehallusa.com