Our latest monthly survey carried out in mid-January on trends and perspectives of Italian plastics and rubber processors show a slight optimism from the companies that constitute the statistical sample. In line with the forecasts on new orders in the coming months, the answers received for investments in new machinery suggest that approximately 54% of participants (+10% from the previous survey in October 2009) opt to invest in new machinery, while just over 46% are against. As for times, 12% of respondents chose in short term (6 months), 50% prefer to invest in 12 months and the remaining 38% in 24 months. Moreover, the participants were invited in answering whether they will invest in research and development: 69% positively (+14% on the quarterly ago) and the remaining companies in a negative way.