Our results are inherently unpredictable and may be materially affected by many factors, such as fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, changes in global economic conditions and consumer spending, world events, the rate of growth of the Internet and online commerce and the various factors detailed below.

ENGADGET: Amazon posts $21.27 billion in 2012 Q4 revenues, makes tinier profit of $97 million

While platinum prices have fallen in dollar terms over the last few months, fluctuations in the foreign-exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and South African rand have actually meant South African mining companies are effectively receiving a higher payment for their metal, Tremblay said.

FORBES: Analysts: Too Soon For Platinum Tumble To Hurt Output, But 'Something...To Keep An Eye On'

Because Airbus mainly manufacturers its aircraft within the eurozone, but sells them in dollars, it is highly vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations.

BBC: RELATED BBC SITES

EU's figures are in purchasing-power-parity terms, which strip out the effects of exchange-rate fluctuations.

ECONOMIST: How rich is London?