In The News

From Local to Global

Nayan Chanda December 13, 2011
Had the government proposal not run into a buzzsaw of opposition, foreign investors might have given India’s retail industry a jumpstart. The government tried to limit the potential impact on at least 20 million traders by limiting the big-box stores to cities with more than 1 million people, allowing state governments the right of refusal, mandating that 30 percent of manufactured and processed...

India Halts Wal-Mart Entry Amid Protests

Bibhudatta Pradhan, Andrew MacAskil December 8, 2011
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government could not overcome fear and opposition that modern big-box stores from the west would overwhelm the country’s small family-run stores – and suspended plans to let foreign retailers open stores in India. The change in plans reflects an inability to boost foreign investment and end policy paralysis, reports an article from Bloomberg. “In an attempt to kick...

Market-Economy Status for China Is Not Automatic

Bernard O’Connor December 8, 2011
As the euro flounders, China considers coming to Europe’s rescue in exchange for receiving immediate market-economy status – so that the value of its exported goods won’t be subjected to outside costs and prices. Armed with such status, China would be subjected to fewer anti-dumping charges. And many global leaders say why not, since China is set to automatically achieve market-economy status by...

With China on Mind, India, US and Japan to Hold Trilateral Meet in Washington

December 6, 2011
Meetings of any group of nations outside traditional global or regional forums like the G20 or ASEAN often raise eyebrows. Excluded nations either shrug or bristle over the new matchups. India, Japan and the US – the world’s top-ranking economies excluding China – will hold their first trilateral meeting, billed as the three leading Pacific democracies reviewing Asia Pacific regional issues. “...

Britain Becomes Even More Wary of Unity

Anthony Faiola December 5, 2011
The United Kingdom moved cautiously on EU integration, retaining the pound and rejecting the euro as common currency. By opting out of the euro, Britain maintained the ability to print money and set interest rates. “Yet, as a member of the bloc, Britain has agreed to bind itself to regional regulations, employment laws and legal rulings, in exchange for a stronger voice in European affairs and...

Central Banks' Action Hints At US Fears

Geoffrey T. Smith December 2, 2011
The world’s largest central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve, have united to ease the flow of money and bank loans in the global system. The Wall Street Journal’s Geoffrey Smith compares the defensive measures tried in war, pointing out many analysts worry about what comes next and whether the defenses will hold. Perhaps most notable is the support from the US Federal Reserve. US taxpayers...

Brazilian Paves Way for China’s Carmakers

Joe Leahy November 29, 2011
With a burgeoning middle class, the Brazilian automotive market has expanded rapidly, becoming the fourth largest in the world in 2010. In such a fast-growing market, Brazilian consumers have developed no brand loyalty and show no aversion to foreign models, explains Joe Leahy of the Financial Times. So taking advantage of a market opportunity, Chinese car manufacturers like JAC Motors are...