全球利率走向精简图示.doc

全球利率走向精簡圖示AT A GLANCEInterest rates Follow the leader?Nov 29th 2007 From ETHE Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points at its next meeting on December 11th. Americas central bank has already cut rates by 75 basis points since September. At the beginning of the Feds last rate-cutting cycle in 2001, central banks elsewhere followed suit. But so far this year, no other rich-world country has lowered its key lending rate. Several, including Sweden, Norway and Australia, have tightened policy since the Feds first cut. China, facing rising inflation, has also made money dearer. In Britain and the euro area, rates were increased earlier in the year but have been on hold since the summer.AP全球社會發展精簡圖示AT A GLANCEHuman Development Index Healthy, wealthy and wiseNov 27th 2007 From EICELAND gives its citizens the best chance of a prosperous and fulfilled life according to the UNs annual human development index. This ranks 177 countries on measures of health, wealth and education. Icelanders longevity has allowed the country to overhaul Norway and claim first place this year. America, despite being wealthy, drops four places to 12th. The bottom 24 countries are in sub-Saharan Africa. Violence, poor governance and HIV/AIDS are mainly to blame. Iraq and Afghanistan do not produce enough data to be included.AFP全球加薪幅度精簡圖示AT A GLANCEPay In the money?Nov 26th 2007 From EWORKERS in Asia and Eastern Europe will get the biggest pay rises next year, according to Mercer, a consultancy. Its “Global Compensation Planning Report” sets out projected increases for white-collar and manufacturing positions in 62 countries. After inflation, India will see the biggest average increase of 9.8% as offshoring to the country continues to grow. Bulgaria benefits from its proximity to big markets in richer western Europe. Employees in rich countries have less