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The Top 10 Economic Indicators: What to Watch and Why
Economic reports and indicators are those often-voluminous statistics put out by government agencies, non-profit organizations and even private companies. They provide measurements for evaluating the health of our economy, the latest business cycles and how consumers are spending and generally faring. Various economic indicators are released daily, weekly, monthly and/or quarterly.
While it is important to keep a pulse on the economy, few analysts or economists wade through all of these massive volumes of data.
Which reports are worth it—and why?
Here's a primer on 10 of the most common and vital economic indicators. Even if you don't follow these reports yourself, it is helpful to know where the "experts" are drawing their opinions from. If you do peruse these reports, remember that data can change rapidly, and that broad trends are not judged by one isolated economic data point.
1. Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Why is it important?
The Federal Reserve uses data such as the real GDP and other related economic indicators to adjust its monetary policy.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis releases the data quarterly, including any revisions, within the last week to 10 days of each month following the end of the quarter. Data are spelled out as being "advance estimates," "preliminary estimates," and "final" numbers. Each data release includes an explanation of why the GDP increased or decreased from the previous quarter (quarterly data are also annualized).
Where to find on-line:
What is it? The real GDP is the market value of all goods and services produced in a nation during a specific time period. Real GDP measures a society's wealth by indicating how fast profits may grow and the expected return on capital. It is labeled "real" because each year's data is adjusted to account for changes in year-to-year prices. The real GDP is a comprehensive way to gauge the health and well-being of an economy.
It does not include institutional money fund assets, large denominated (more than $100,000) time deposits, or any special reserves banks are required to maintain.
Why is it important?
The Federal Reserve uses this data to assess current economic and financial conditions, and to help alter its monetary policy, which includes raising and lowering interest rates. The Fed's actions are aimed at bolstering or reducing the money supply.
Economists and others also use M2 data to predict cyclical economic recessions and recoveries and expected changes in stock prices—not to mention expected changes in the Fed's monetary policy.
Some economists believe that M2's relevancy has waned over the past 20 years. For many years this monetary measurement had closely paralleled the growth or contraction of the U.S. economy and overall changes in prices. But over the past two decades, a bevy of changes—such as the introduction of new depository products, the movement of consumer funds from bank deposits to investment accounts and the internationalization of the economy—has caused the money supply data to fall out of sync with other economic indicators.
Nevertheless, the Fed and some economists and analysts pay attention to the longer-term trends in growth or reduction of the money supply, particularly the six-month figures. And the Fed retains its power to increase the money supply by lowering interest rates as a way to counter a sluggish economy, and to reduce the money supply by raising interest rates if the economy gets overheated.
Where does the data come from?
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System releases the data both weekly (on Thursdays) and monthly, during either the second or third week of the month. Monthly data goes back to January 1959; weekly information has been available since January 1975.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? M2 money supply represents the aggregate total of all money a country has in circulation. It takes into account all physical currency such as bills and coins; demand deposit savings and checking accounts; traveler's checks; assets in retail money market accounts and small money market mutual funds, (i.e., less than $100,000); individual time deposits and savings deposits, such as certificates of deposits; in addition to some repurchase agreements and Eurodollar holdings.
The CPI does not include every item an individual may buy, but instead takes a sampling of several hundred goods and services across 200 item categories. Data is collected through phone calls and personal visits in 87 urban areas across the country.
The CPI does not include income, Social Security taxes, or investments in stocks, bonds or life insurance. But it does include all sales taxes associated with the purchases of those goods and services.
Why is it important?
This statistic is the best indicator of inflation that we have to rely on. It is particularly closely scrutinized by financial economists now since it shows inflation to be at a 16-year low. Changes in inflation can spur the Fed to take action to change its monetary policy.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the national CPI-an average of all areas sampled, monthly, during the second or third week after the end of the measured month. CPIs for three specific metropolitan areas are also published monthly, while CPIs for other specific metropolitan regions are published every other month. Data releases include details about very specific products.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? The CPI measures changes in the prices paid for goods and services by urban consumers for the specified month. The CPI is essentially a measure of individuals' cost of living changes and provides a gauge of the inflation rate related to purchasing those goods and services.
The PPI tracks price changes in virtually all goods-producing sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and manufacturing. The PPI also tracks price changes for a growing portion of the non-goods-producing sectors of the economy as new PPIs are introduced. Prices from 25,000 establishments are tracked monthly.
This report measures prices for goods at three stages of production: finished goods, intermediate goods and crude goods.
This was called the Wholesale Price Index from 1902 until 1978.
Why is it important?
This index is timely because it is the first inflation measure available in the month. In addition, by watching crude prices, which are first in the chain of production trends, one can sometimes spot inflation in the pipeline, before it shows up in the CPI.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the data monthly, during the second full week of the month following the reporting month.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? The PPI is a group of indexes that measures the changes in the selling price of goods and services received by U.S. producers over a period of time. Think of it as the business-side equivalent to the CPI that measures changes in prices paid by consumers: The PPI captures price movements at the wholesale level, before price changes have bubbled up to the retail level.
Five questions are asked of a random sampling of 5,000 individuals, of whom about 3,500 respond. The survey asks their thoughts and feelings about business conditions, the labor market, consumer spending and economic growth, and their financial and employment expectations six months into the future. Each question can be assigned three opinions: positive, negative and neutral.
Why is it important?
This statistic is a leading indicator of consumer spending-consumers are more inclined to spend money when they are feeling confident about their financial and employment prospects.
Where does the data come from?
The Conference Board's Consumer Research Center releases the data monthly on the last Tuesday of each month.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? A gauge of the public's confidence about the health of the U.S. economy that reflects the public's optimism/pessimism and the nation's mood.
6. Current Employment Statistics (CES)
Employment data is based on a survey of 300,000 establishments across 600 industries, which account for approximately one-third of all payroll employees. Industries include retail trade, manufacturing and construction. CES provides details on numbers of hours worked and earnings of all surveyed across the nation.
The "employed" are defined as all full- and part-time workers and temporary and intermittent employees who received pay for the cited period. It includes those on paid vacation or sick leave, and excludes business proprietors, self-employed, unpaid family members and volunteers.
Why is it important?
This is the earliest indicator of economic trends released each month. Employment rates indicate the well-being of the economy and labor force. Changes in wages point to earnings trends and related labor costs. Economists focus on the monthly change in total non-farm payrolls and in which sectors jobs were gained or lost.
Interesting trends can also be derived from the payroll data, such as the average number of hours per week worked and the average hourly earnings. This data gives an indication of how tight the labor market is—tight labor markets can translate into wage inflation.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the data monthly, usually on the first Friday following the reference month, but always within the first 10 days after month-end.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? CES provides comprehensive data on national employment, unemployment and wages and earnings data across all non-agriculture industries, including all civilian government workers. Information is disseminated in many different ways-for example, employment/unemployment rates among men and women, varied ethnic groups and teens.
7. Retail Trade Sales and Food Services Sales
The data is based on a random sampling of 5,000 retail and food service firms. Figures are broken out to both include and exclude sales of automobiles. Sales are weighted and benchmarked to represent the nation's three million retail and food services firms.
Why is it important?
The numbers measure consumers' personal consumption across retail industries and track growth or deceleration of personal consumption spending, which makes up approximately two-thirds of the annual U.S. GDP. Analysts use the data to help track consumer spending trends and forecast the direction and magnitude of future spending. Automobile sales are separated from the data because of their volatility, which can sometimes obscure the underlying pattern of spending.
Where does it come from?
The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Census Bureau releases the data monthly, during the second week of each month.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? This data tracks monthly U.S. retail and food service sales, details changes from previous periods, and identifies in which sectors sales increased and/or decreased.
8. Housing Starts (Formally Known as "New Residential Construction")
Why is it important?
Housing starts are highly sensitive to changes in mortgage rates, which are affected by changes in interest rates. Although this indicator is highly volatile, it represents about 4% of annual GDP, and can signal changes in the economy and the effects of current financial conditions. Analysts and economists know to watch for longer-term trends in housing starts.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Census Bureau releases the data monthly, within two to three weeks after the end of the reporting month.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? An approximation of the number of housing units on which some construction was performed during the month. Data is provided for single-family homes and multiple unit buildings. The data indicates how many homes were issued building permits, how many housing construction projects were initiated and how many home construction projects were completed.
9. Manufacturing and Trade Inventories and Sales
Why is it important?
This data set is the primary source of information on the state of business inventories and business sales. Inventory rates often provide clues about the growth or contraction of the economy. A growth in business inventories may mean sales are slow and the economy's rate of growth is also slowing. If sales are slowing, businesses may be forced to cut production of goods, and that can eventually translate into inventory reductions.
Where does the data come from?
The U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Census Bureau releases the data monthly, approximately six weeks after the end of the subject month.
Where to find on-line:
What is it? This data represents the combined value of trade sales and shipments by manufacturers in a specific month, as well as the combined values of inventories in the wholesale and retail business sectors and manufacturing. The current and most recent past month's inventory/sales ratios are also provided. Information is provided across 17,000 manufacturing, retail and wholesale companies within 160 industries.
10. S&P 500 Stock Index (the S&P 500)
The S&P Index Committee chooses the indexed stocks based upon market size, liquidity and industry group representation. Component companies are periodically replaced. Companies are most often removed because of a merger with another company, financial operating failure or restructuring. Prospective companies are placed in an index "replacement pool" and vacancies are filled from that pool.
Why is it important?
The index is designed to measure changes in the stock prices of component companies. It is used as a measure of the nation's stock of capital, as well as a gauge of future business and consumer confidence levels. Growth of the S&P 500 index can translate into growth of business investment. It can also be a clue to higher future consumer spending. A declining S&P 500 index can signal a tightening of belts for both businesses and consumers.
Economists tend to look for long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations in the S&P 500 index. The S&P 500's 10-year total return, for example, has become a common indicator of longer-term trends.
Where does the data come from?
Standard & Poor's is solely responsible for compilation of the S&P 500 index. However, real-time information on the index is available daily from financial news organizations and publications, as well as from Standard & Poor's.
Where to find on-line:
Click here for more information.
What is it? The Standard & Poor's 500 is a market-value-weighted index of 500 publicly owned stocks that are combined into one equity basket. This basket of stocks has become the industry standard and benchmark for the overall performance of the U.S. equity markets.


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'Potter' stars named top-earning screen couple
'Twilight' stars place second
Published On: Jan 06 2012 07:13:25 AM CST Updated On: Jan 06 2012 09:17:09 PM CST
Which on-screen couples have helped their films earn the most money at the box office?
Forbes Magazine did the math and found that "Harry Potter's" Emma Watson and Rupert Grint brought in the most money, topping the list with $4.2 billion.
Surprisingly, "Twilight's" Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson came in second place. The on-screen couple -- who allegedly are together off-screen as well -- generated $2.5 billion.
Rounding out the top three is Shia LaBoeuf and Megan Fox, who shared the screen together in two "Transformers" films.

subset: commoncrawl


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Letter to Andrew Inglis Clark, Tasmania, from George B. Edwards, 15 July 1885
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Edwards, GB Letter to Andrew Inglis Clark, Tasmania, from George B. Edwards, 15 July 1885. University of Tasmania Library Special and Rare Materials Collection, Australia. (Unpublished)
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Letter to Andrew Inglis Clark, Tasmania, dated 15 July 1885. C4/C70
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PwC global network of firms believes that the time is right to significantly enhance auditor reporting. Valuable enhancements can be made now that move us some way to achieving the goal of more informative and valuable auditor reporting. As solutions are developed, it is critical that there be active, continuous and open dialogue amongst auditing standard setters, regulators, users and other stakeholders. PwC global network urges the IAASB to work in collaboration with the PCAOB in relation to their respective consultation papers to develop solutions that work globally.
For the attention of Mr James Gunn
Technical Director
International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)
545 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor
New York, New York, 10017
16 September 2011
Dear Sir
Enhancing the Value of auditor reporting: Exploring options for change
Overview of our key messages
We1 believe:
Importance of corporate reporting context
The fall-out of the financial crisis still reverberates around the world. In many ways, the crisis has fundamentally shifted the way the world views the capital market systems. It also highlighted significant shortcomings in the corporate reporting model we use today. To better meet the needs of market-based systems and society as a whole, there is a compelling need to reform the overall corporate reporting model. Developing a relevant and valued reporting model for the upcoming century will require the active engagement and collaboration of many—management, directors, investors, auditors, regulators, policy makers, legislators, as well as standard-setters.
Of all of the information that companies publish, the current audit focuses on reporting at a single point in time on just one element, albeit an important one—the financial statements. As corporate reporting evolves, a more comprehensive assurance model can further enhance the relevance and value of the auditor's role, which may potentially include opinions that cover other aspects of the entity's reporting. The IAASB can, and should, play a leading role in promoting that debate, and we stand ready to work collaboratively with all interested parties to actively drive this agenda forward.
The IAASB's consultation is framed within the context of today's corporate reporting model. We believe that genuine enhancements in auditor reporting can be made in the shorter term even with that constraint. Such improvements alone will not provide the informational value and greater insights many are seeking and, therefore, we continue to emphasise the importance of longer-term reform of the corporate reporting model. Options proposed that we believe are not practicable in the shorter term—as well as options not yet even considered—may become viable as the wider corporate reporting model evolves.
Why change today's auditor reporting?
Today's audit underpins confidence in financial reporting. Its value rests in the trust investors and others place on the audited financial statements in making economic decisions pivotal to the effective functioning of capital markets.
The audit report is the visible interface between auditors and users and inevitably influences users' perceptions of audit quality and relevance. Users, in particular investors, tell us that the current auditor's report is not meeting their needs as well as it could. They greatly value the auditor's opinion on the financial statements, but they would like more informative reporting—greater insight into the entity's financial reporting and the audit, as well as assurance on other information or matters not within the scope of today's financial statement audit.
The debates on auditor reporting may be loudest in jurisdictions affected most by the recent financial crisis, but we believe that the views of users in those jurisdictions are shared by others around the world. The growing crescendo of voices globally creates the opportunity to make changes and, importantly, fundamental changes. To achieve meaningful change, the norms of law, regulation, corporate governance, business behaviour and other features of market practice within which today's audit model has evolved may all need change to achieve the desired outcome. For example, proposals that would significantly expand the scope of assurance or other auditor association, to areas such as earnings releases, is likely to require consideration of necessary changes to current liability regimes.
The context of auditor reporting
Whilst there are many similarities in corporate reporting, corporate governance and audit frameworks around the world, there are also fundamental differences, including the intended users of the audit report. In some jurisdictions, company law restricts those intended users to existing shareholders, with the financial statements being an integral part of the directors' accountability—stewardship. In others, the focus is on capital market investors more broadly. Still others see an even wider public accountability. These differences, whilst seemingly subtle, can influence perceptions in weighing the relative merits of different options for change in auditor reporting. In the longer run, such differences may not be sustainable.
The auditor's report itself is only part of a broader spectrum of auditor communications. The audit is an interactive process that culminates in an audit report, but includes formal and informal communications with a variety of parties: management, audit committees, boards of directors or supervisory boards, and regulators.
Our focus in this response is on the auditor report or reports that are issued for use by stakeholders (users) external to the entity (public reporting). We have not attempted to define who those users are – it will be a key question if the IAASB is to lead this debate and develop a clearer and consistent global view.
What users tell us they want
It is important to note that the demand for change in auditor reporting comes predominantly from shareholders of listed/public companies and other public interest entities. Audits, no matter the size of the entity, are intended to provide a similar level of assurance. For that reason, the "core" content of the standard auditor's report and opinion on the financial statement should be the same for all entities. The unique characteristics of ownership and governance of some entities, and the relative cost/benefit, may justify limiting the enhanced or additional reporting to some, but not all, entities.
Our overarching principles for effective auditor reporting
As we evaluated various options for additional reporting, we assessed them against the following principles. We found them to be useful guideposts to identifying constructive changes and avoiding changes that inadvertently do harm.
Our vision of responsive changes in auditor reporting
Our vision of enhanced auditor reporting in the context of today's corporate reporting model retains what is working well but makes it better by:
A focus on significant judgements
It is understandable that perhaps the most commonly voiced demand by many users is for auditors to provide greater insight into the significant judgements management has made in preparing the financial statements, as these would be key risks that the auditor addresses in the audit. The nature of financial reporting has evolved over the past decade in response to the greater complexity in business models and transactions, sources of risk, and uncertainty. Fair value measurements, estimates and valuations in financial reporting—all of which may have inherent measurement uncertainty and significant disclosure requirements – require management to exercise significant judgement.
Auditor reporting could do more to highlight to users the financial reporting judgements the auditor views as significant to an understanding of the entity's financial statements. We support each of the following options.
Emphasis of matter paragraphs in the auditor's report – 'shining the light on judgements'.The auditor's report could help users navigate the financial statements by directing the reader to the disclosures in the financial statements that the auditor believes describe the most significant judgements management has made. The "justifications of opinion" required in auditor reports in France do this and anecdotal evidence suggests that "shining a light" on these judgements has resulted in improvements in those disclosures. In those jurisdictions where management commentary regarding those judgements is included outside the financial statements in the director's commentary or management's discussion and analysis (MD&A), consideration should be given to expanding the concept of Emphasis of Matter paragraphs to refer to those disclosures as well.
To achieve comparability in auditor reporting across entities, the "rules of the game" would need to be defined so that emphasis of matter paragraphs can be applied consistently.
Some users would also like to know the audit procedures performed in these areas of the financial statements. There are a number of practical difficulties in doing so.In particular, we are concerned that identifying only certain procedures, in the absence of sufficient context regarding the audit approach and methodology could exacerbate, rather than reduce, misconceptions of audits. For example, reports to audit committees run into tens of pages, and even then are seen by some to be too summarised. They are also just one part of the dialogue between auditors and those charged with governance that provides necessary context. There is a danger that in trying to distil the complexity and nuance of this dialogue, its meaning would be lost. The descriptions of audit procedures could easily become either too technical or boilerplate descriptions of "standard" procedures. Disclosures of procedures are currently made as part of the auditor's justification of opinion in France, but there is evidence to suggest that the descriptions provided are seen as only providing limited incremental value to users.
Although these options are not extending the auditor's remit beyond management's reporting of its significant financial reporting judgements, additional costs involved include requiring standard setting projects to amend or develop new auditor reporting requirements.
Some users would like auditors' views on the entity, the quality of its management or corporate governance, or the quality of its financial reporting (e.g. , how aggressive or conservative it is). We believe that the practical challenges in making this reporting meaningful are very significant and onerous. The subjectivity and lack of consistency in application by different auditors given similar fact patterns would do more harm than good to capital markets. We believe that focussing on significant judgements is a better and more productive step at this time.
Expanding auditor involvement
Users have expressed an appetite for auditor involvement with a wide range of other information reported by entities, both in content and in how it is communicated. Such involvement could serve to improve the quality and reliability of information communicated. There are constraints, including the competencies of auditors (which can, of course, evolve over time). The following areas are worth exploring with users as areas in which auditors could provide additional assurance and are achievable in the relative shorter term:
Other areas in which additional auditor assurance could be explored include key performance indicators related to non-financial measures of entities' performance, certain aspects of entities' corporate governance arrangements and risk management systems or other internal controls. These are longer term propositions, as they will require wider changes to the corporate reporting model and the development of frameworks for reporting by management, including criteria or benchmarks, as well as consideration of the nature of auditor reporting that would be cost effective and meaningful.
Each of these options would be a step change from today's audit and would involve increased cost—which could be significant. Therefore, users need to be convinced that the benefits of the additional information exceed the costs. In weighing them, there is also an opportunity cost to be factored in, as doubt about the reliability of the entity's financial and corporate reporting bears its own cost.
Developments in integrated reporting models also need to be monitored closely. Many view integrated reporting as a solution that can address more comprehensively a broader range of information needs of users. Fundamental redesign of corporate reporting and assurance is clearly a longer term goal, but the complexities involved should not dissuade action.
Clarifying certain aspects of the audit and auditor's responsibilities
The auditor's opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements as a whole is valued by investors and provides an important focus to the conduct of an audit of financial statements. It is important, therefore, that today's "binary" audit opinion be retained.
We also believe certain "core" content of the auditor's report should also be retained as a useful point of reference in communicating key concepts. Enhancements can be made to this wording that would be of value to users, including explanation of how the concept of materiality is applied in audits generally and matters relevant to auditor independence. Explaining the nature and extent of the auditor's involvement with other information in the annual report would be useful as well. These matters may contribute to the expectations gap and, therefore, further explanation of them could usefully address misconceptions.
Some users have said that information about the specific audit performed would be helpful. For example, some are interested in the level of materiality applied in an audit, any significant internal control deficiencies found, areas of significant difficulty encountered in the audit and their resolution, or other areas of significant audit judgement. This would not, in our view, result in meaningful reporting. At a minimum, given the lack of objective criteria on which to determine what should be reported, the meaning and significance of such disclosures would be difficult for users to weigh. More importantly, however, a short written report can never fully convey the basis and context of those judgements. Auditors report such matters to those charged with governance (e.g. , audit committees or supervisory boards), but as part of a two-way and dynamic dialogue that provides the context necessary to make it meaningful.
In conclusion,the time is right to significantly enhance auditor reporting. Users' needs are more clearly articulated than ever before. Responding to these needs is critical to maintaining the value and relevance of the audit. Valuable enhancements can be made now that move us some way to achieving the goal of more informative and valuable auditor reporting. More radical solutions will require comprehensive reform in corporate reporting and corporate governance.
As solutions are developed, it is critical that there be active, continuous and open dialogue amongst auditing standard setters, regulators, users and other stakeholders. In particular, we urge the IAASB to work in collaboration with the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in relation to their respective consultation papers to develop solutions that work globally. Significantly different auditor reporting models in a global market is not in the public interest. Some flexibility between jurisdictions may be needed, but unintentional and unnecessary differences in approach should be avoided.
Yours faithfully,
Richard G. Sexton
Deputy Global Assurance Leader
1This response is being filed on behalf of the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and references to "PwC", "we" and "our" refer to the PwC network of member firms.
We welcome the International Audit and Assurance Standards Board's (IAASB's) consultation to explore ways to enhance the quality, relevance and value of auditor reporting. We believe the time is right to significantly enhance auditor reporting.
In our cover letter, we identify enhancements in auditor reporting that can be made in the shorter term that we believe move us some way to responding to the demands of users for more informative and valuable auditor reporting, within the constraints of the current corporate reporting model used today. In making those changes, we need to retain what is working well and be bold enough to make it better.
Such improvements alone will not fully meet the emerging needs of users and capital markets, nor provide the informational value and greater insights many are seeking. Therefore we continue to emphasise the importance of longer-term reform of the corporate reporting model. As corporate reporting evolves, a more comprehensive assurance model can further enhance the relevance and value of the auditor's role. Options proposed in the Consultation Paper that we believe are not practicable in the shorter term—as well as options not yet even considered—may become viable as the wider corporate reporting model evolves.
We also articulate in the cover letter overarching principles to help guide standard setters and others in making effective changes to auditor reporting. We found these principles to be useful guideposts when considering the relative merits of the options for change, in particular in evaluating whether or not they would be constructive and would not inadvertently do harm. In this appendix, we apply those principles to explain our proposed changes to auditor reporting in greater detail, in response to the specific questions set out in the Consultation Paper. We also explain more fully why we do not support certain other options at this time.
We would be happy to discuss our views further with you. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Jim Lee, Global Chief Auditor, at firstname.lastname@example.com, or myself, at email@example.com.
Request for specific comments
Issues Identified
1. Do respondents have any comments about the issues identified in Section II regarding the perceptions of auditor reporting today?
The Consultation Paper captures well the range of users' perceptions of the relevance and usefulness of auditor reporting and reflects the challenges that exist in addressing the 'expectations' and 'information' gaps given those divergent perceptions and views on relative priorities. Users describe the perceived shortcomings in the current format of the audit report, and other aspects of auditor reporting that they would like to see changed. We believe that genuine enhancements in auditor reporting can be made in the shorter term even with the constraint of the current corporate reporting model. We fully support change and have outlined in our further responses to the questions raised in the consultation how we feel that may be best achieved, taking into account the overarching principles in our cover letter.
2. If respondents believe changes in auditor reporting are needed, what are the most critical issues to be addressed to narrow the information gap perceived by users or to improve the communicative value of auditor reporting? Which classes of users are, in the view of respondents, most affected by these issues? Are there any classes of users that respondents believe are unaffected by these issues?
We set out on pages 2 and 3 of our cover letter our views on what users are telling us are their perceptions of auditor reporting and where they see it falling short. The current model of auditor reporting has served investors, markets and other stakeholders well for many years. The global financial crisis, however, has resulted in users becoming increasingly vocal in expressing a desire for more informative auditor reporting. But their views on how auditor reporting could be more informative and valuable vary considerably.
In addressing users' needs it is important to explore both shorter term and longer term responses. Some of users' needs may be related as much to perceived difficulties with the wider corporate reporting model as they are to auditor reporting. To achieve meaningful change, the norms of law, regulation, corporate governance, business behaviour and other features of market practice within which today's audit model has evolved may all need change to achieve the desired outcome. For that reason, we believe it is important that dialogue involving all stakeholders remains ongoing to explore potential medium and longer term enhancements to the broader corporate reporting model and the potential for a more comprehensive assurance model. We also stand ready to work collaboratively with investors, management, directors, those charged with governance, regulators and other stakeholders to actively drive this agenda forward.
The most commonly voiced demand made by users is for auditors to provide greater insight into the significant judgements management has made in preparing the financial statements, which are key risks addressed in the audit. With the growing complexity in financial reporting and the ever increasing need for management to exercise significant judgement in financial reporting, communicating to users the financial reporting judgements that the auditor views as significant to an understanding of the entity's financial statements would be valuable. Users also tell us they have an appetite for auditor involvement with other information reported by entities outside the scope of today's financial statement audit. Some of these are areas in which auditors could provide additional assurance or other auditor association.
The demands for change in auditor reporting are voiced most strongly in jurisdictions affected most by the recent financial crisis, but we believe that the views of users in those jurisdictions are shared by users around the world. We observe, however, that they are coming predominantly from shareholders and investors of listed/public companies and other public interest entities. That may be an indication that enhancements in auditor reporting might not be wanted or needed by all users. The unique characteristics of ownership and governance of other entities, and the relative cost/benefit of the proposed enhancements in auditor reporting, may justify limiting the enhanced or additional reporting to some, but not all, entities.
3. Do respondents believe that changes are needed for audits of all types of entities, or only for audits of listed entities?
We support a single set of principles-based auditing standards that are scalable to all entities. Audits, no matter the size of the entity, are intended to provide a similar level of assurance.
Therefore, we believe that the 'core' elements of the standard auditor's report, which describe matters common to all audits, and the audit opinion, should be consistent for all entities—as should any changes impacting these elements. We suggest in our responses to questions 4-5 below how these 'core' elements might be further enhanced to improve their usefulness to users by clarifying certain audit concepts that are often misinterpreted. Some limited accommodation may be needed with respect to 'core' elements of the standard auditor's report for circumstances when law or regulation or national auditing standards dictate particular wording or structure (as is recognised in the ISAs today).
As noted in our response to Q2 above, the demands for change are coming predominantly from users of financial statements and audit reports of listed/public companies and other public interest entities. Different types of entity across different jurisdictions have unique characteristics of ownership and governance, resulting in differing information needs between users of listed and small to medium sized entities and possibly differing perceptions of cost/benefit. We, therefore, support additional auditor reporting requirements that go beyond what would be considered 'core' elements of any audit report being directed to listed/public and other public interest entities.
For any proposed additional auditor reporting, the focus may need to be on the objective or aim of that reporting rather than specify the way that it must be done because of underlying differences in financial reporting, corporate reporting and corporate governance frameworks.
Exploring Options for Change
A. Format and Structure of the Standard Auditor's Report
4. Respondents are asked for their reactions to the options for change regarding the format and structure of the standard auditor's report described in Part A. Do respondents have comments about how the options might be reflected in the standard auditor's report in the way outlined in Appendix 1 of this Consultation Paper?
We believe that there is room for improvement in both the format and structure of the standard auditor's report.
We would support proposals to re-order the existing content of the auditor's report if there is evidence investors believe this would improve its communicative value. Re-positioning the opinion to place it first in the report for greater emphasis, as shown in the illustration in Appendix 1 of the consultation paper, has long been a reporting option used by PwC in some territories. It has been well received by users and we are not away of any unintended negative consequences.
Changing the structure of the report, in combination with one or more of the suggestions below to clarify certain terminology in the report, will likely result in an auditor's report that investors perceive to be more readable or accessible.
5. If the paragraphs in the current standard auditor's report dealing with management and the auditor's responsibilities were removed or re-positioned, might that have the unintended consequence of widening the expectations gap? Do respondents have a view regarding whether the content of these paragraphs should be expanded?
We believe it is important that the paragraphs describing management's and the auditor's responsibilities and basic concepts underlying an audit are retained in the body of the auditor's report. Although much of this 'core' content is standard wording, it plays a crucial role in providing necessary context to the audit opinion.
These paragraphs communicate the fundamental roles in the corporate financial reporting model. that management is responsible for the financial statements and their preparation, and the auditor is responsible for expressing an opinion on those financial statements. While some users of financial statements have become familiar with these standard descriptions, and may skip over them after a first reading, regardless of whether they precede or follow the audit opinion, that does not diminish their importance or usefulness as a point of reference. In fact, we believe the omission of these paragraphs from the standard auditor's report may have the unintended consequence of widening the expectations gap.
We believe the enhancements below could be made to the current standard wording to further address matters that currently contribute to the expectations gap. Further explanation of them in the standard auditor's report could, in our view, usefully help to dispel misconceptions.
Include further description of the importance of materiality in the audit. We recommend that the IAASB explore whether the principles underpinning the application guidance in ISA 320, Materiality in Planning and Performing the Audit, could be the basis for a narrative description that better articulates to users, using plain English, how materiality is determined and applied in the audit.
>We believe this would be more beneficial in conveying how materiality judgements are made in an audit than disclosing quantitative values of materiality. Quantitative disclosures differ depending on the types of entities being audited and the circumstances of the individual engagement; introduce further complexities, such as materiality for specific items; and, perhaps most importantly, may give the impression that quantitative considerations overshadow qualitative factors, which can be of greater relevance in particular circumstances.
Finally, as we note in our response to question 2, we believe that it is desirable for the description and understanding of the 'core' elements of the audit report to be as consistent as possible globally to enhance the comparability of reporting across jurisdictions. The current audit report in ISA 700, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements, provides a robust basis for achieving this. Some accommodation, similar to that in extant ISA 700, may be needed for circumstances when law or regulation or national auditing standards dictates particular wording or structure.
B. Other Information in Documents Containing Audited Financial Statements
6. Respondents are asked for their reactions to the possibility that the standard auditor's report could include a statement about the auditor's responsibilities regarding other information in documents containing audited financial statements. Do respondents believe that such a change would be of benefit to users?
We believe there is merit to including a statement in the standard auditor's report that clarifies the auditor's responsibilities regarding other information in documents containing audited financial statements. Such a statement could benefit users by clarifying the nature and extent of the auditor's involvement with that other information.
Consistent with the changes addressed in Questions 4 and 5, amending the standard auditor's report to include such language would not involve any incremental cost.
7. If yes, what form should that statement take? Is it sufficient for the auditor to describe the auditor's responsibilities for other information in documents containing audited financial statements? Should there be an explicit statement as to whether the auditor has anything to report with respect to the other information?
We believe the statement should summarize the auditor's responsibilities as set forth in ISA 720, The Auditor's Responsibilities Relating to Other Information in Documents Containing Audited Financial Statements (ISA 720), including that:
We believe users' interests would not be served by the auditor drawing attention to any inconsistencies that have been resolved. In accordance with ISA 720, if revision of the audited financial statements is necessary and management refuses to make the revision, the auditor is required to modify the opinion and the reason for the modification would be disclosed. If revision of the other information is necessary and management refuses to make the revision, ISA 720 requires that the auditor include an Other Matter paragraph in the auditor's report describing the material inconsistency or, alternatively, withhold the report or withdraw from the engagement. We believe these reporting requirements are both appropriate and sufficient. Drawing attention in the auditor's report to material inconsistencies that have been resolved would be similar to disclosing information about audit areas of difficulty and their resolution. We explain in our response to question 8 below, why we do not believe this would add value to users.
C. Auditor Commentary on Matters Significant to Users' Understanding of the Audited Financial Statements, or of the Audit
8. Respondents are asked for their views regarding the auditor providing additional information about the audit in the auditor's report on the financial statements.
The Consultation Paper identifies the following examples that users have suggested would be helpful information about the audit:
Key areas of risk of material misstatement and areas of significant auditor judgement
As stated in the cover letter, we believe that the most appropriate way to provide greater insight into risks and judgement is by expanding auditor reporting to focus on those financial reporting judgements made by management that the auditor views as significant to understanding the entity's financial statements. Significant judgements made by management in preparing the financial statements include the selection of significant accounting policies and the decisions involved in making critical accounting estimates (including the choice of methods, models and assumptions) and concluding on areas of measurement uncertainty. A significant advantage of focussing on the financial statement disclosures is that it would avoid the auditor and management giving competing views of risks that may be difficult to reconcile and, therefore, would introduce uncertainty into markets.
Recognising that different financial statement and corporate reporting frameworks and reporting practices exist globally, we support the following options to achieve the objective of bringing greater focus on significant financial reporting judgements.
Emphasis of matter paragraphs in the auditor's report – 'shining the light on judgements'. We believe there is merit in exploring whether increased use of emphasis of matter (EOM) paragraphs helps enhance the navigability of financial statements for users by directing the reader to significant disclosures, for example significant judgements and uncertainties. Anecdotal evidence suggests that increased auditor attention to specific areas of the financial statements may improve the robustness and reliability of management's disclosures.
Since EOM paragraphs would be linked to disclosures in the entity's financial statements, using EOM paragraphs also has the advantage of preserving management's role as the source of disclosure about the financial statements while also enhancing auditor reporting.
The scope of matters that might be emphasised is very broad and may lead to inconsistency in the matters emphasised in audit reports if left to auditor discretion. The resulting lack of comparability between audit reports may lead to confusion for users. Therefore, to successfully implement this approach and introduce consistency, and therefore the comparability among reports that users desire, we believe auditing standards would need to identify the matters auditors are required to emphasise. This would also help mitigate the potential unintended consequence that users would view EOM paragraphs as an indicator that other financial reporting disclosures that auditors have not given emphasis to are insignificant, which would be undesirable. We believe that management's critical accounting estimates might be an appropriate 'anchor' for required EOM paragraphs, at least initially, and one that is responsive to users' requests for more information.
ISA 706, Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent Auditor's Report, currently does not mandate the use of any EOM paragraphs. Its focus is on the purpose of EOM paragraphs generally, and the content and placement of EOM paragraphs when they are included. It includes an Appendix that identifies other ISAs that do mandate them including, notably, ISA 570, Going Concern. ISA 706 could be amended to accommodate mandating EOM paragraphs for the purpose of emphasising significant financial reporting judgements. Another alternative would be to create a separate standard addressing the auditor's emphasis of the significant financial reporting judgements.
In those jurisdictions where management commentary regarding those judgements is included outside of the financial statements, for example, in the director's commentary or management's discussion and analysis (MD&A), we support in principle the concept of expanding EOM paragraphs to refer to those disclosures. The framework for this reporting may require jurisdictional action to achieve consistency in matters that are reported and comparability across entities within that jurisdiction (which may not then result in consistency and comparability across jurisdictions).
All of the above approaches have the advantage of preserving management's role as the source of disclosure about the financial statements.
The level of materiality applied by the auditor to perform the audit
Please see our response to question 5 which addresses this.
The entity's internal controls
Please see our response to question 10 which addresses this.
Areas of significant difficulty encountered during the audit and their resolution
We believe that auditor reporting on areas of significant difficulty encountered during the audit and their resolution would be detrimental to audit quality because of its likelihood to damage the relationships between the auditor, management and those charged with governance that are necessary to performing an effective audit. For example, management and those charged with governance may be less likely to discuss openly such matters if they are subject to disclosure. Without objective criteria on which to determine what should be reported, the meaning and significance of such disclosures would be difficult for users to weigh. Indeed, the disclosure of such matters without the opportunity for dialogue would be challenging and subject to misinterpretation by users. In fact, we question what value users would find from identifying matters that have been resolved. The key point from the perspective of users is that such issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of the auditor.
9. Respondents are asked for their reactions to the example of use of 'justification of assessments' in France, as a way to provide additional auditor commentary.
The 'justification of assessments' requirement in France is, in many ways, analogous to the use of EOM paragraphs discussed in question 8 above because, to explain how auditors have reached their overall opinion on the financial statements as a whole, audit reports in France highlight the areas of significant judgement by management in preparing the financial statements. As explained above, we believe the use of EOM paragraphs has merit and could enhance the value of auditor reporting by directing users to significant disclosures, for example significant judgements, in the financial statements.
Some users would also like to know the audit procedures performed in areas of significant risk in the audit, including areas that may be the subject of Emphasis of Matter paragraphs. Such disclosures are currently made as part of the auditor's 'justification of assessments' in France. There are a number of practical difficulties in doing so.In particular, we are concerned that identifying only certain procedures, in the absence of sufficient context regarding the audit approach and methodology could diminish users' perception of the auditor's work effort, which may increase the expectations gap. That, coupled with the potential for lack of comparability of disclosures across entities, could exacerbate, rather than reduce, perceived misconceptions of audits. For example, reports to audit committees run into tens of pages, and even then are seen by some to be too summarised. They are also just one part of the dialogue between auditors and audit committees that provides necessary context regarding the audit and the work of the auditor. There is a danger that in trying to distil the complexity and nuance of this dialogue, its meaning would be lost. There is a considerable risk that the descriptions could easily become either too technical or boilerplate descriptions of 'standard' procedures. In a recent survey of investors in France regarding the 'justification of assessments', users commented that such disclosures have become excessively standardised, reiterating procedures performed without sufficient context and using language that can often be convoluted. As a result, it would seem that this disclosure is seen as providing only limited additional value.
10. Respondents are asked for their reactions to the prospect of the auditor providing insights about the entity or the quality of its financial reporting in the auditor's report.
The Consultation Paper explores various options, identified below, for providing auditor insights about the entity or the quality of its financial reporting:
We have considered each of these options but do not view them as viable solutions due to significant practical challenges in achieving meaningful reporting. In particular, the subjective nature of this information will result in inconsistent application by different auditors and, in turn, a significant lack of comparability between audits of different entities that would be confusing to users. In addition, the subjective nature of information such as the aggressiveness or conservatism of management's selected accounting policies, or the effectiveness of management, requires face-to-face dialogue for meaningful communication. Indeed, much of the subject matter of these options is required to be discussed with those charged with governance and with management. A requirement for the auditor to disclose such information in the audit report may have the unintended consequence of reducing the willingness of management and those charged with governance to engage in open and candid dialogue with the auditor, potentially impeding the auditor's ability to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence.
We also believe that disclosure by the auditor of some of the proposed information may be interpreted by some users as reducing the clarity of the auditor's opinion. For example, if the auditor were to discuss an alternative treatment that was permissible under the applicable financial reporting framework, some may question whether that constitutes a 'qualification' of an auditor's unqualified opinion. The potential for the auditor to present alternative or competing information cannot, in our view, serve the public interest: how would the marketplace resolve the confusion created by such competing views? Therefore, we believe that, if disclosed, such information should be reported by management or the audit committee to preserve the respective roles and responsibilities of management, those charged with governance and the auditor.
With respect to disclosure about the quality of the entity's internal controls, ISA 265, Communicating Deficiencies in Internal Control to Those Charged with Governance and Management, requires the auditor to communicate significant deficiencies to both those charged with governance and management, and to communicate to management other deficiencies that, in the auditor's judgement, are of sufficient importance to merit management's attention. The auditor is not, however, required to perform procedures specifically to identify such deficiencies. In particular, because the auditor is not required to perform tests of the operating effectiveness of controls in an audit of financial statements, except in certain circumstances, the basis for identifying internal control deficiencies would necessarily vary widely depending on the nature and extent of controls testing performed in the audit. Entities with stronger controls could have more deficiencies identified simply because the auditor had tested more controls; whereas an entity with weaker controls might not have any deficiencies reported because the auditor had taken a substantive approach to the audit. There is a risk that a requirement for auditor external reporting could actually have the unintended consequence of the auditor being pressured to take a primarily substantive audit approach to avoid being able to identify control deficiencies, which may not be the most effective or efficient audit approach.
We believe that the auditor can provide assurance about the entity's internal controls by providing separate assurance, as discussed in our response to question 14. Given the costs involved, there would need to be sufficient user demand for some form of additional reporting in relation to internal control.
Our response to question 8 above also discusses options with respect to reporting on management's critical accounting judgements and estimates that we believe are viable.
D. An Enhanced Corporate Governance Model: Role of Those Charged with Governance regarding Financial Reporting and the External Audit
11. Respondents are asked for their reactions to the options for change relating to an enhanced model of corporate governance reporting, as described in Section III, Part D.
We support the option of an enhanced model of corporate governance reporting as one option that may achieve the objective of providing users with the type of information they seek related to the entity's significant financial reporting judgements.
We believe that greater transparency around the preparation of financial statements and the subsequent audit process, including transparency about the dialogue between auditors and the audit committee, would help to bridge the expectation gap and clarify the role of audit. This option also retains the respective roles and responsibilities of management, directors, the audit committee and the auditors – in particular that the entity is responsible for communicating original information about the entity and the auditor then issues an opinion on the reliability of that information.
The dialogue between auditors and audit committees that takes place today normally includes a discussion about the main risks foreseen, the audit approach to be adopted and subsequently a report on how the audit process has actually been conducted, its outcomes and the judgements made in concluding the audit. Thus, the audit committee's report to shareholders would have the advantage of being able to explain how the audit committee reviewed and was satisfied with the audit approach and methodology applied.
12. To the extent that respondents support this model, what challenges may be faced in promoting its acceptance? Also, what actions may be necessary to influence acceptance or adoption of this model, for example, by those responsible for regulating the financial reporting process?
The main challenge (as opposed to the inherent advantages) in promoting the adoption of this model is the dependence on the existence and maturity of corporate governance models and practices, regulation and reporting rules in different jurisdictions. Even in those jurisdictions with more established models and practices, agreement and support from regulatory bodies and changes in legislation and/or securities regulation would likely still be required to enable effective implementation. In some jurisdictions this may be relatively achievable in the shorter term, for example the UK, whilst for others it may be a longer term aspiration as part of wider reform of corporate reporting practices.
In addition to, or as part of, any regulation or reporting rules, it would also be necessary to develop an appropriate framework(s) for reporting to ensure sufficient consistency and comparability across entities that users perceived as adding meaningful value. There is anecdotal evidence that without a sufficiently robust framework in place, public reporting by audit committees can be poor and, therefore, damaging to the perception of audit committees.
Some users hold the view that they want to receive the information directly from the auditors. Therefore, even when the nature of information that may be reported by audit committees is what users are seeking, there may be some who would value this less than if that same information was disclosed by the auditor directly. We believe this perception issue can be overcome through appropriate communication about the purpose and content of audit committee reports and through the auditor reporting on it (see our response to question 13 below).
Based on discussions to date, we can also foresee potential for a lack of appetite from audit committees and management in some jurisdictions. For this approach to be effective it would need their full buy-in. Securing this support may involve debate as to extent of responsibilities and liability, and practicalities of implementation, including cost, as well as others.
There would also inevitably be additional costs associated with this option, both for entities and auditors. From the perspective of the auditor, it would likely involve more detailed reporting to the audit committee itself which may then also involve additional discussions on matters in that reporting. Plus, any separate reporting by the auditor on completeness of the audit committee's own reporting, or separate assurance thereon, would involve incremental cost to that incurred in the current scope of an audit.
Notwithstanding these challenges, we believe this can be an effective model if implemented fully.
13. Do respondents believe assurance by the auditor on a report issued by those charged with governance would be appropriate?
We believe auditors could report on whether the description provided by the audit committee of the dialogue with the auditors regarding the significant financial reporting judgements was a fair and balanced reflection.
As audit committees oversee the auditors, it would be inappropriate for the auditor to provide assurance on all aspects of the audit committee report that is, , there is an inherent conflict of interest in having the audit committee discuss its oversight of the audit and the auditor and for the auditor to then provide assurance on those statements.
E. Other Assurance or Related Services on Information Not Within the Current Scope of the Financial Statement Audit
14. Respondents are asked for their reactions to the need for, or potential value of, assurance or related services on the type of information discussed in Section III, Part E.
The Consultation Paper identified the following five examples of areas of information on which the auditor could potentially provide separate assurance or other related services:
We have included in our response below a further two items, which we support and believe address two areas that are of particular interest to users:
We deal with each of these areas below. In addition, our comments in response to question 8, where we discuss the auditor providing separate assurance on management's discussion of significant financial reporting judgements is relevant.
As an overarching comment, we acknowledge the argument that increased auditor involvement with such information may improve management's process and disclosures in that area. For each of the options explored, the benefits need to be weighed against the costs, including any additional financial costs, to determine what options are both practicable and add value to users.
Non-GAAP financial information
As we note in our cover letter, users may welcome the rigour and challenge that auditor involvement with non-GAAP financial measures could bring. For those non-GAAP financial measures that are readily reconcilable and generally consistent with financial information in the entity's financial statements we would support the auditor providing some additional form of reporting. We can envisage the possibility of different levels of assurance being considered for different types of non-GAAP financial measures. Alternatively the auditor's involvement could be limited to performing specified procedures, which might vary by different types of entity or industry.
Appropriate benchmarks and sufficiently robust criteria would need to be developed, which may include industry-focussed measures, to provide consistency, both in management reporting and the auditor's procedures thereon. One potential risk associated with this approach is if management perceive any imposed criteria as overly restricting their ability to discuss the entity's performance using their own views. Further consultation between management, users and corporate reporting standard setters may be necessary to identify an appropriate way forward in this area.
Earnings releases
Earnings releases are one area that users have said are of particular importance.
In principle, we support exploring how auditors might provide assurance in this area. We are aware of practices in some jurisdictions today which associate the auditor with earnings releases. For example, in the UK the entity is required to obtain the auditor's authorisation to publish the earnings release. This sort of practice could be expanded to other jurisdictions.
One reporting model, that we could foresee could involve the auditor undertaking agreed-upon procedures (AUP) in respect of the earnings release. However, that may necessitate changes in the existing AUP reporting model. There would also be practical challenges to achieving consistency given differences in global reporting practices for earnings releases.
One additional challenge that would need to be overcome in exploring assurance in this area is current corporate reporting filing deadlines – many listed entities are already under intense pressure to release earnings statements in a short space of time. Any auditor involvement in providing assurance on those documents is likely to inevitably add time to that process, which entities may not wish to incur.
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
The considerations for reporting on KPIs are not dissimilar to the considerations for reporting on non-GAAP financial information. However, there is far greater scope as to what may be perceived as KPIs across different entities – even within the same industry, how management organise the business and monitor performance can vary significantly.
It is unclear whether there are robust criteria or industry benchmarks for different types of KPIs. Whilst current assurance/attestation standards may provide a framework for reporting on KPIs, further analysis would be necessary to consider whether those models fully meet the needs, such as whether they would allow sufficient flexibility to provide different levels of assurance on different types of data.
Nevertheless, we believe this is another area in which we would support the auditor undertaking separate assurance or related services if the appropriate management reporting frameworks can be developed and revisions to standards were achievable. This is an area that is also evolving and developments in the evolution of integrated reporting models need to be monitored as that may lead to consensus in reporting needs and practices that might usefully inform what changes may be necessary.
Internal controls and financial reporting processes
Further to our comments in response to question 10, if there is appetite among users for additional reporting on internal control over financial reporting, we believe this is best met by providing separate assurance on it. This is a practice that is common in certain jurisdictions today. To do so, however, necessitates the development of appropriate reporting framework(s) for entities, as well as auditing standards and is, therefore, not an insignificant undertaking for either entities or auditors.
Risk management systems
Similar to internal controls, auditors in some jurisdictions provide assurance on risk management systems. The requirements for such assurance may be limited to certain aspects of an entity's risk management systems, or to certain industries. This too would require the development of appropriate reporting framework(s) for entities, as well as auditing standards and, depending on the scope, could also require the development of auditor expertise in the particular area.
Corporate governance arrangements
We believe that information on governance arrangements should primarily come from management and those charged with governance. However, there is scope for the auditor to provide assurance on factual statements made by management and those charged with governance with respect to such arrangements, in those jurisdictions that have sufficiently developed corporate governance practices.
Business model, including the sustainability thereof/Enterprise-wide risk management
We do not believe it is appropriate for auditors to report on an entity's business model or overall enterprise-wide risk management, which both deal with the entity's sustainability. It is questionable whether auditors around the globe would have the appropriate knowledge and experience to be able to conduct such assessments today and whether such assessments, which are inherently subjective, would be meaningful. Furthermore, in addition to standards and guidance for auditors, this option would require the development of more robust frameworks for reporting by management (there is currently no requirement for companies to have an enterprise-wide risk management programme). It is also unclear whether users would perceive additional value that exceeds the costs.
For all of these reasons, we believe the other options for additional assurance are better and more productive steps at this time.
15. What actions are necessary to influence further development of such assurance or related services?
As can be seen from our analysis of the various options for additional assurance above, there are some common themes that arise with respect to actions necessary to further development of expanded assurance and related services. These can be summarised as follows:
Implications of Change and Potential Implementation Challenges
16. Respondents are requested to identify benefits, costs and other implications of change, or potential challenges they believe are associated with the different options explored in Section III.
Please refer to our detailed responses to questions 4 to 15 in which we have set out our views on the relative benefits, costs, challenges and other implications associated with the various options for change.
17. Do respondents believe the benefits, costs, potential challenges and other implications of change are the same for all types of entity? If not, please explain how they may differ.
Calls for change are coming predominantly from shareholders and investors of listed/public companies and other public interest entities. As we discuss in our cover letter, some of the options for change, in particular those aimed at enhanced or additional reporting, could be targeted at this sector.
For example, we do not believe that all options would have relevance for non-public and small to medium-sized entities, given their unique characteristics of ownership and governance. We also believe that the relative cost/benefit may justify differential reporting.
That being said, the implications of changes to the structure and format of the standard auditor's report would be the same across all entities. As our comparison of options demonstrates, these options have the least impact across the range of implications and therefore would impact all entities to a similar extent.
18. Which, if any, of the options explored in Section III, either individually or in combination, do respondents believe would be most effective in enhancing auditor reporting, keeping in mind benefits, costs, potential challenges and other implications in each case? In this regard, do respondents believe there are opp


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Reviewed By Drew H (Suwanee, GA) Reviewed for a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse —3/27/2008 5:27 AM
I bought similar mats from Cover Craft and Avery that I returned. The Lloyds are the first ones that delivered what they promised. They look the best and are higher quality than the others. The only surprise was to find two grommets and hooks for each mat. I was expecting to receive a driver's side mat with a single grommet to fit the factory hook. However, this double hook system is far superior and keeps the mats from twisting. Overall, the only improvement I can think of is a driver's heel pad. They arrived a lot faster than I expected, too. I am a lifetime Lloyd customer now.


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Smooth Sounds From The Twin Cities
As he does every Monday, NPR Music writer and editor Stephen Thompson is here to freshen our playlists and recommend a new song for us.
This week, Thompson bring us a band from the Twin Cities called Poliça.
Thompson describes Poliça's sound as "very cool, sleek, kinda slinky music."
He singles out Poliça's vocalist, Channy Leaneagh.
"It's not just that she has a lovely voice, which she does — it's what the band does to it," Thompson told Here & Now. "They run her through all sorts of filters and Vocoders, and she's not really articulating super-clearly to begin with, so her voice becomes almost like another machine in the mix," Thompson said.
Thompson's favorite song on the band's new album, "Shulamith" is called "Smug."
"It's a strangely, for lack of a better word, sexy song, but it's largely unclear what it's even about," Thompson said. "The sexiness of it isn't driven by someone's words or personality or phrasing, so much as the overall effect created."
- Stephen Thompson, NPR editor and music writer. He tweets @idislikestephen.
It's HERE AND NOW.
And it's Columbus Day, but no holiday for the song of the week. And NPR music writer and editor Stephen Thompson is here to recommend one. Stephen, what have you got for us this week?
STEPHEN THOMPSON, BYLINE: I've got a band from the Twin Cities called Polica, which makes very cool, sleek, kind of slinky music. Thanks to the vocals of Channy Leaneagh. It's not just that she has a lovely voice, which she does, it's what the band does to it. They run her voice through all sorts of filters and vocoders, and she's not really articulating super-clearly to begin with. So her voice becomes almost like another machine in this mix. So the band's got a new album called "Shulamith." And this is my favorite song from the record. It's called "Smug."
YOUNG: Reminds me. I've got to get me a vocoder.
YOUNG: But what is she saying?
THOMPSON: I have no idea.
THOMPSON: Really, it's very hard to tell. You try to pick out a single word she's saying. The effect of all that processing on her voice is that she's, I think, rendered entirely mysterious and intriguing. It's a strangely, for lack of a better word, sexy song, but it's largely unclear what it's even about. The sexiness of it isn't driven by someone's words or personality or phrasing so much as the overall effect created. It's a strangely seductive song. With two drummers, Polica's music has this - has a real sway to it, and it makes me want to study it and listen closely for clues, not only, you know, what she's saying from word to word but what any given song is about.
YOUNG: So that's "Smug" from the Twin Cities' Polica. And by the way, it's P-O-L-I-C-A. Their new album, "Shulamith." NPR music writer and editor Stephen Thompson brings it to us today. Let him know what you think. Stephen, thanks so much.
THOMPSON: Thank you, Robin.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SMUG") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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When I killed Deathwing for the first time in LFR, after that I felt like my life had a meaning again.
When I killed Deathwing for the first time in LFR, after that I felt like my life had a meaning again.
I miss reaching level 60 and feeling a since of achivement.
More so I miss the mystrey the world used to have and how the game was built around small health pools with small damage numbers. I remember critting for 1k on an aimed shot and nearly crapping my self with disbelief.
Today wow is inflanted, I would love to see the game get scaled back some.
had a few moments myself, the first was killing kael just 1 night before the nerf, was a reallly good feeling to have and get the hand of a'dal title.
the 2nd was in wotlk, considering we were a 25man casual guild (2 days a week) among 5 of the world top50 guilds in our server, we managed to get professor putri server first, felt good especially that we did not do it expecting to get server first on it.
"Dafuq is a teamspeak?....ok so wait you mean while us 4 are questing together we can use a program to talk to each other all at the same time and i dont have to pay extra? yea this game is gonna be badass and may play it for a while..." those are the type of moments that are never forgotten
Here come the Irish.
I'd have to say mine was killing C'thun in AQ40 (even though we missed server first by minutes) was still an incredible feeling after so many wipes. The time invested in a fight like that, talking strats with guildmates on and off game, thinking of every possible thing we could to just get it right. awesome to finally see it all come together and get the kill.
gladiator s4 and realm firsts for all TBC raid content
Getting Hero of the Horde in Cataclysmic season it was an excellent feeling.
Last edited by Velshin; 2012-11-29 at 02:08 AM.
Lets see... my best moment in WoW would be the first time I got to kill Mimiron (normal even). Hell any of the keepers was worth a cheer when getting to kill them for the first time. Honorable mention has to go to XT the first time we pulled simply because we wiped instantly because everyone couldn't stop laughing. Sigh, Ulduar was so awesome
Getting Gorehowl for my Orc Warrior, soon as i got it, I re-specced to Arms as I'm a huge Grom Hellscream fan and wanted to do the axe justice.
Sad I know, but worth it.
getting the black bear the same week it was implemented ( lvl 70 )
also getting the immortal
Khadgar IS Medivh
Be feared, or be fuel
Please don't be so quick to judge, but my proudest moment was when I got away with tricking tons of players out of their gold with the in-game mailing system. It was way back in BC I think, or maybe Wotlk-ish, and I had devised a master plan to make gold by taking advantage of other players' stupidity.
I made an alternate account, and with a level 10 night elf rogue (with the mean blindfold face) I composed an in-game letter, a template that I would copy/paste. It was an attempted impersonation of one of the Netherwing NPC's, with my character name almost the same as the NPC to get players to believe it was role-play or quest mail that's automatically sent to everyone for an upcoming patch. I waltzed over to one of the reagent vendors in Darnassus, babbling to myself and giggling uncontrollably, and filled my bags with acorns... and wrapping paper. It costed only a few silver in total. I then wrapped all of the acorns and filled my free bank slot. Then I began, with a /who 70-80 "class name" I went down through all the classes and mailed everyone online a pasted letter, and gave them a free token of my appreciation (the wrapped acorn, but they didn't know it was an acorn.) It was a COD gift however, at the cost of 500 gold because I didn't want someone to click it instinctively but not be able to afford the COD amount (resulting in no gold for me, realization for them), and I assumed most players would have at least 500g. It was all a scam to get players to click the gift and instinctively accept the next confirmation window, and it worked quite WELL!
In less than an hour I had made about 25,000 gold. I had my other rogue, from my main account, stealthed in the bushes ready to take whatever gold the impostor rogue made. You see during this time Game Masters still had to physically log into the game and get on your realm to do their work, so I assumed that when they caught onto me they would be looking directly at my impostor rogue, and not see my main rogue stealthed in the bushes . I knew the alt account would be banned and gold wiped. Sure enough close to the 1 hour mark my level 10 was contacted by a GM confronting me for my crimes. I hastily gathered the rest of the gold from mailbox, switched windows, made the trade to my stealthed rogue and attempted to run from the authorities! Actually I'm sure running didn't do any good, but I like to think it did. After getting the gold on my main rogue my heart was racing, blood pumping with adrenaline as the inevitable unfolded, and before I could switch screens... they got em. My impostor rogue vanished before my eyes, insta-banned mere seconds after completing the trade and I sneaked around behind the inn and logged off immediately hoping to minimize suspicion and hoping they didn't see me in stealth. I logged on an hour later, scott free with all the gold in my pocket, not a peep from Blizzard. I just stood around for a while in shock, letting it all sink in that I had done it. I bested the system, tricked everyone, and walked away with all the gold! I was so happy I couldn't even think. Happiest day of my WoW career.
The aftermath: A week later Blizzard issued a hotfix, preventing certain items from being wrapped in wrapping paper like vendor items.
Blackwing Lair first time we cleared it. First time I started with a guild from the first boss to the last and was a great sense of accomplishment.
...Made it through 9 years of wow...
Probably 2 shotting Nefarian for our guild's first kill after wiping like 23 times on Timelapse/Ignite Flesh Chromag. Felt so good. Oh it was also the night that the WoW South Park episode aired, so it was just an amazing night overall.
The most epic moment of my wow career oddly enough happened in TOGC 25 when the content was current (before ICC came out). I was still healing as a resto shaman back then as I had switched from pally to shammy during Ulduar days. We had been trying for quite some time to get twins down on heroic and this week we had 5 resto druids. One for each group. I was the only non resto druid healer I think, or maybe we had an extra couple heals, I don't remember. Anyway, we were using a rather unique strategy to down the boss that I've never seen done before or since. Probably because its so freaking hard to pull off. Everyone stayed at the doorway and both bosses were tanked together. Some people were designated as soakers for the blobs of color (including me) and stood a bit back from the raid. We all had the white buff and never switched throughout the fight. When it came time for the dark aoe (which only happened once for whatever reason during our attempts) all 5 druids would pop tranq (since back then it only effected your group, not the whole raid) and we'd heal through it. We failed numerous times before finally getting it down. Oh gods that time when we did manage to succeed I've never EVER seen health bars go that before. Going to less than 5% then right back up to full possibly 2 times per second during the aoe. I swear I'm not overexagerating. When we finally did get it down everyone cheered over vent. I also got the heroic 25 man shield from that boss. Used it till Cata came out and I leveled past 80. I still have it too. Such an important shield to me. I was one of 2 people on my server at the time to have it and use it. Several people had the reg version of it, but only me and another troll resto shammy had the heroic version.
---------- Post added 2012-11-29 at 12:51 AM ----------
I have played WoW from the first betas and i always considered my self serious gamer and for some time i felt like i was just making no progress at all to my journey on the top of this game! Then we made breaktrough in ToGC with WF Anub'Arak and make the rise we have been waiting for so long. I was so happy i actually tought i lost my virginity second time. I raged, yelled, cheered, banged my table then just cried in the end! And second proudest moment was Ragnaros 25 Heroic WF kill after over +500 agonizing wipes. I was roaring like lion, banged my computer table with the strength of a thousand men and i think i started to cry in the end again... Anyways this yelling,banging, whatnot, raised question on my neighbours mind. "Is this concidence that he plays on Lightning's Blade EU (where i play) and message pops on his screen "Dream Paragon Realm First Ragnaros Heroic 25 kill" and at the same time on some distant apartment he hears this screaming, banging sound...". He asked one of our players that does anybody in your guild live in Seinäjoki (where i live), then he got my name and wispered to me. Next thing i know i invited him to drinkg with me and we drank till 9am. I never talked or noticed this dude before. Crazy shit.
i have too many. so by expack..
vanilla - rag,cthun kill. and personally watching our warrior walk.throigh sm with ashbringer. coolest event ever..
oh and i think.i can throw in my first dungeon ... Oh vancleef.
TBC - walking through the portal and going "holy shit..." this expack brought my skill up tenfold going thru tk and ssc and bt. favorite kill was Archimonde. i loved the fight. the effort. the uniqueness and the feeling of "omg i was that night elf unit in wc3! i played me before me even knew! time paradox!
wotlk was seeing yogg for the first time. ( i purposely avoided watching any video of yogg during progression so i could be amazed. oh i was. the defeat of algalon and everything tied to.it as well takes the cake. lk was just the icing to end it.
cata wasnt much. First year at college limited me to pvp. but killing finalrequiem and swifty's 5v5 team was awesome. one of us was watching their streams as we were quing and he was like omg its them! And he was listening to their stream and relaying their next move. scary shit when you hear " they are going for the priesy!(thats me) and i run away. awesome win bc they were like " they predicted every move wtf" played them right after and got rofl stomped however haha. also legendary daggers on rogue is nice.
MOP? - my realization thay im not the same gamer. Im taking.it slow. i am enjoying it and just playing to play. my time.is almost up and it was an awesome journey.. cant wait for sargeras.....
edit: oh amd on a personal skill note. right before cata came out when shadow amd disc priests were op. I was running ulduar heroic for shits n giggles. our tanked died on good ol firefighter. a personal favorite. this fight got even brtter when i as shadow tanked the entire last phase of the fight. i did not even know it was possible. kudos wemt to my healer as well. it was an awesome moment when he died and i didnt cheer but instead laughed and just think " wtf did i just do/see?"
Last edited by Crianthia; 2012-11-29 at 08:23 AM.


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Hagel has enough support for defense secretaryBy DONNA CASSATA
The Associated Press | February 22,2013AP PHOTO
Republican Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obamas choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.WASHINGTON Chuck Hagel has lined up the necessary votes for the Senate to confirm him next week to be the nations next defense secretary, after a senior Republican lawmaker said he will back President Barack Obamas choice.
Barring any new developments, five-term Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama said he would vote for his fellow Republican and the former two-term Nebraska senator, with the expectation that Hagel will win Senate approval. If confirmed, Hagel would succeed Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who is stepping down after four years first as CIA director and then Pentagon chief.
Hes probably as good as were going to get, Shelby told the Decatur Daily about Hagel.
Jonathan Graffeo, a spokesman for the senator, said Thursday that unless any new, damaging information to the nominee emerges between now and an expected Senate vote on Tuesday, Hagel has Shelbys vote.
Obamas choice has faced strong Republican opposition, and last week the GOP succeeded in an unprecedented filibuster of a nominee for defense secretary. In fresh evidence of the resistance, 15 Republican senators sent a letter to Obama on Thursday calling on him to withdraw the nomination.
The occupant of this critical office should be someone whose candidacy is neither controversial nor divisive, wrote the senators all opponents of Hagel. Leading the effort was Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the partys No. 2 who is up for re-election next year. The letter came shortly after news of Shelbys support for Hagel.
One name missing from the letter was Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who has called Hagel unqualified, but indicated last Sunday that he wouldnt stand in the way of a Senate vote.
White House spokesman Jay Carney on Thursday complained that Republicans were putting politics ahead of national security, pointing out that the administration wants Hagel to be part of decisions on the size of the U.S. force in Afghanistan as American and coalition forces wind down combat operations.
This waste of time is not just meaningless political posturing because we firmly believe that Sen. Hagel will be confirmed. The waste of time is of consequence, Carney told reporters.
The Senate also is holding up the nomination of John Brennan to be CIA director, with Republicans and Democrats seeking more information about the U.S. policy on the use of drones. Hagel and Brennan would join Secretary of State John Kerry in Obamas overhauled, second-term national security team.
Hagel is expected to get all 55 Democratic votes and the support of three Republicans Sens. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Mike Johanns of Nebraska and Shelby. Two other Republicans Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted last week to allow the nomination to move ahead and are expected to do the same next week, giving Hagel the requisite 60 votes out of 100 necessary to end a filibuster.
A vote on confirmation, with only a majority necessary, could occur as early as Wednesday.
The filibuster left the administration angry and troubled by the prospect of a nomination in limbo, with opposition groups redoubling their efforts to scuttle Hagel and the uncertainty of a weeklong Senate recess. But the administration is more confident about Hagels prospects after private conversations with several senators to ensure Hagel has 60 votes, according to an official close to the confirmation process.
Several senators who voted to delay a vote last week Shelby among them are expected to allow the nomination to move forward next week.
Republicans have criticized Hagel for his past statements and votes, contending that he hasnt been sufficiently supportive of Israel and has been too tolerant of Iran. They also have challenged his support for reducing the nations nuclear arsenal and his opposition to the Iraq war after his initial vote for the conflict.
His nomination also has become entangled in GOP demands for more information from the Obama administration about the deadly assault on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, last September that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has described Hagel as radical and pressed for Obama to abandon the nomination. Graham sent a new letter to Hagel this week with fresh questions about Israel, after Hagel responded to a separate Graham letter on Israel last week.MORE IN Wire NewsUNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. Full StoryTroubling as the details of the McLaren Report were, a news item out of Russia earlier this week... Full Story
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