we anticipate that the minimum duration of the decanting phase of the crisis is 3 years (1). It shall be finished neither in spring 2009, nor in summer 2009, nor at the beginning of 2010. It is only towards the end of 2010 that the situation will start stabilizing again and improving a little in some regions of the world, i.e. Asia and the Eurozone, as well as in countries producing energy, mineral and food commodities (2). Elsewhere, it will continue; in particular in the US and UK, and in all the countries depending on their economy, were the duration could approximate a decade. In fact these countries should not expect any real return to growth before 2018.

Well, at least they're expecting a return to growth. I'm not so sure myself.

My guess is that their return to growth circa 2018 for the USA uses EIA forecasts (assuming they feel oil supply is important)-if they were using WT's forecasts they probably wouldn't be forecasting a return to growth for the USA at all.

Per WT's perspective. The US is Apollo 13. Add 1 Cryo-stir. No more outside resupply. Better start looking around the spaceship for the scrap bits to keep the lifesupport going. The energy supply is finite and the battery balancing act begins.

Edit; unfortunately most still want the 'mission' to continue

You are correct Brian it's not a 'bottoming process' it's a ledge on the way down.