It seems that more and more power will consolidate into the hands of fewer and fewer players.

If there's one mind-set prospective investors in emerging markets should have this year—or perhaps the next two years—it's aggressive patience. Yes, these markets are volatile and highly correlated to the US and other developed markets at the moment, but over time the fundamentals, especially growth rates above those of the developed world, in these countries will reassert themselves.

There's a glimmer of hope for the thousands of Spansion employees outraged at their sudden firing last week. Spansion CEO John Kispert has issued a statement through a spokesman declaring the company would try to get employees the money they are owed through a bankruptcy court.

Asian stocks have fallen, taking their lead from weaker US stocks, which have hit a fresh 12-year low.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said the current year will be the most difficult the country has faced this century because of the global economic crisis.

Premier Wen Jiabao, who delivered his Cabinet's work report to the parliament's 3,000 delegates, said China would be able to achieve 8% growth in the economy. The government plans to spend 146 billion yuan (US$21 billion) on its science and technology sector, up 25% from 2008; 293 billion yuan in social security and 130 billion yuan to speed up recovery in areas hit by the massive deadly earthquake that struck Sichuan province in August.

Consumers in Australia are buying small screen HD flat panel TV's and 100Hz models in record numbers despite many vendors running out of stock over the peak December January period according to GFK sources. This coupled with an increase in global demand for small screen TV's has seen manufacturers in Taiwan and China increase production by up to 20%.

Sharp announced the GM4BN653C0A, a high color rendering white LED with a light intensity 13% higher than the company's existing product.

Vizio, a US-based TV manufacturer, took an unusual step Feb 20, 2009, presenting a petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the aim of settling its patent dispute with Funai Electric.