Why the Asian model has gone off the road

Article Abstract:

The financial crisis currently facing Asia should serve to greatly reduce admiration for Asian financial values. It is clear that long-term links between Asian banks and corporate borrowers have in some cases been a cover for crime and corruption. Even where no crime has been committed, large Asian companies have been permitted to borrow too heavily and to invest in unprofitable sectors. There are very poor prospects for South Korean industry, but Japan still has a large industrial base and may soon see economic revival.

Economic aspects, Column, Asia, Financial markets

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Tight profit margins fuel fears of inflation

Article Abstract:

The rise in commodity prices over the last two years has led to greatly increased costs for manufacturers. However, they have not been able to pass these rises on to customers because demand has been weak. Analysts believe that profit margins have now been reduced to their lowest possible levels, and are now looking at the impact that this trend could have on inflation. There is believed to be a considerable danger that tighter profit margins will have a negative impact on the inflation cycle.

Forecasts and trends, Inflation (Finance), Inflation (Economics)

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Britain sinks to 18th place on competitiveness table

Article Abstract:

The US remains the most competitive economy, according to the annual World Competitiveness Report from Swiss business school IMD and the World Economic Forum. It is followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Switzerland. The UK's competitiveness has declined, and is only just countries such as Korea, Malaysia and Chile. However, it is in seventh place in terms of number of computers per capita and in fourth place in terms of its share of overall worldwide computing power.

Competition (Economics), Reports

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