Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Ocean of red ink

MOST rich-country governments will struggle with huge budget deficits in 2010. A decade ago small surpluses were common in many rich countries (although not in Japan), but these are long gone. As economies pull out of recession, government spending will have to be cut and, with luck, tax revenues will gradually rise again. But paying off debts will be an enormous and painful task, which could also prolong the pain inflicted by the economic slump. On Monday February 1st Barack Obama made a start for America, unveiling his budget for 2011 which proposes cutting or consolidated 120 programmes, with savings expected to total $20 billion.

Blowing hot and cold What to make of the latest row between China and America over Taiwan?

Space to thrive


A plan to overhaul America’s space agency is long overdue

Canada : Economic Outlook 2010

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Corporate Social Responsibility


The idea that corporations bear a responsibility that stretches beyond their shareholders is not new

Business Regulation : Cutting Red Tape

Health-Care Reform in America Fired Up And Ready To Go

GM and Opel Magna Force

Growth Share Matrix


A framework to help companies think about the priority (and resources) that they should give to their different businesses

The Experience Curve


The more experience a firm has in producing a particular product, the lower its costs

America, China And Protectionism : Wearing Thin


How strong is Barack Obama's belief in free trade?

The Risk of Another Downturn


Germany's economy is on the up, but it could yet tip back into recession

Financial Reform And The G20 A Hard Climb


The G20 meeting in London marked a step along the way, not a summit

Hovering Kraft


America's Kraft Foods will have to sweeten its offer to acquire Cadbury, a British confectioner

The Voice of Business

Food quest


Qatar claims to have a new approach in its quest for food security

Outstripped


Africa needs to become much more competitive, if the continent is to prosper

Data drilling


A little more light is shone on the oil markets

Saturday, August 22, 2009

A Sunny Outlook


Indonesia's robust economy continues to grow

US Housing Market Shaky Foundations

An Alternative Big Mac Index

Silence is Golden

Bosses should keep their mouths shut, alasMackey: Open mouth, insert foot

Business Friendly


Which industries are viewed most positively by Americans?

Cannibalisation


If a firm introduces a new product or service into a market where there is little scope for further growth, that product or service will either eat into the share of the market’s existing products, or swiftly disappear from sight.

Exit Strategy


The Danish government wants to cut taxes and raise spending, despite strains on public finances

Remittances : Big, But Dipping


Remittances held up well in 2008, but this year will be much worse