The energy sector is a critical part of the economy and an area where we expect to see continued financial activity. The ongoing expansion of our Energy team further demonstrates our commitment to being a leading player in this important industry.

Charlie has a great track record advising clients from across the consumer sector on a broad range of M&A and capital markets transactions. His skills and experience complement those of Keith and David and the rest of our team and will further enhance our industry knowledge and deep client relationships in this important sector.

Latin America is an important growth market for us, and Steve has the experience and relationships to make an immediate impact on our franchise there. We are extremely pleased to have him join our growing team.

The economy is generally slowing for a wide variety of reasons -- energy is one, but also the stimulus is wearing off.

We have an economy that has shown signs of slowing. With energy prices at extremely high levels -- and now moving above those levels -- this is kind of a double whammy,

Even before the hurricane hit, rising energy prices were having a dampening effect on the economy,