Despite the outlook for Shell's debt rating, the company's balance sheet is relatively sound.

Despite the general outlook, there are pockets of strength, and even of robust growth.

Moreover, despite the increasingly international outlook of investors, stock ownership remains overwhelmingly national.

Profit, despite the bleak outlook this year, is also expected to recover at some point.

Despite the uncertain outlook and some spectacular failures with wind power in the past, the Government continues to experiment.

Despite the dim outlook for manufacturers, some industry officials see a light for consumers.

Despite the bright outlook, the region has suffered some recent failures.

Despite the improved outlook, some states are still struggling to improve their economies, and the cities have been particularly slow to rebound.

Despite the grim outlook for production, there has been some progress on other fronts.

Despite the rosy outlook, few executives in recent history have received such an overwhelming vote of no confidence from shareholders.