External revenue

In the first three quarters of 2009, the RWE Group generated € 33.8 billion in external revenue. This was 2 % less than in the same period last year, but flat when adjusted for currency effects. Sterling, our major foreign currency, lost value compared with the euro. Averaged for the first nine months, Sterling cost € 1.13; in the same period last year, the equivalent was € 1.27. The Czech crown, the Hungarian forint and the Polish zloty also decreased in value. In contrast, the US dollar rose from € 0.66 to € 0.73. On balance, consolidations for the first time and deconsolidations did not have a material impact on revenue or earnings.