China’s lower growth target may be higher risk 1 Mar 2011 China has lowered its symbolic GDP growth goal to 7 percent, sacrificing speed for sustainability and fairness. That looks like an attempt to head off unrest. But the new target looks academic. If growth really fell that low, unemployment could rise, and create more tension.
Saudi outflows are worrying omen in Mideast crisis 1 Mar 2011 A 7 pct fall in the Saudi stock market, the Middle East's biggest, marks a significant deterioration in sentiment. It suggests the local wealthy are moving capital as it becomes harder to argue that unrest in Saudi is an unthinkable scenario.
Argentine lesson: don’t fiddle with fudged figures 1 Mar 2011 Buenos Aires may fine a consultancy $120,000 for publishing inflation estimates that were twice the official figure. As inflation, output and productivity estimates determine huge money flows, governments are tempted to fiddle them. Economists beware, the problem is worsening.
LVMH protects Dior with swift Galliano sacking 1 Mar 2011 The luxury giant lost no time in firing John Galliano after a video showed him shouting racist abuse. Removing Dior's creative head became a commercial imperative. Star designers come and go. Brands have to be defended.