Erik Autor

As you get closer to the election, the likelihood that Congress is going to be able to pass legislation, particularly read more

As you get closer to the election, the likelihood that Congress is going to be able to pass legislation, particularly on what might be viewed as partisan or difficult issues, diminishes.

China is expected to eliminate some key restrictions by January of 2005. Earlier, companies with a market cap of under read more

China is expected to eliminate some key restrictions by January of 2005. Earlier, companies with a market cap of under $2 billion could operate in China only with a local joint-venture partner. This will no longer be valid.

Larger U.S. retailers have recognized for a number of years that the domestic market is mature. In order to grow read more

Larger U.S. retailers have recognized for a number of years that the domestic market is mature. In order to grow sales, they have to look outside of the U.S.. China, however, is a big emerging opportunity.

This huge middle class has a lot of disposable income. It's also hungry for Western-branded goods. Wal-Mart early on found read more

This huge middle class has a lot of disposable income. It's also hungry for Western-branded goods. Wal-Mart early on found this fact to be very profitable.

We're going to monitor this situation very carefully over the next several months. This is a case where what happens read more

We're going to monitor this situation very carefully over the next several months. This is a case where what happens in Washington can have as much effect on cargo as what happens on the docks.