Professional forecasters like to say that making predictions is difficult, particularly about the future. As we reach the end of 2017, however, here are some of the key themes – and questions – that look set to shape global events next year. SEE MORE China's refineries are expected to consume more feedstock naphtha and LPG with more secondary processing units coming on stream in the future, according to market sources. SEE MORE Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has approved an equitisation plan of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG). SEE MORE Energy prices were rangebound for most of 2017, with oil prices staging a sustained rally in the final quarter but there have been some big structural and political shifts that are likely to reverberate. SEE MORE EU carbon dioxide allowance prices under the EU Emissions Trading System rallied as high as Eur8.30/mt in Week 51 -- their highest in two years -- as the supply of fresh EUAs from government auctions dried up for the year. SEE MORE