Axis of Wealth Shifting East

After a season of defensive investing, money flows to developing economies

(NEWSER) - The economic slump may not be over, but investors are piling on risk in emerging markets, driving up stocks in developing nations as they seek the large rebounds that will accompany a global turnaround, the Wall Street Journal reports. The week ending May 6 saw some $4 billion flow to emerging market funds. Brazil’s Bovespa index is up 75% over its October doldrums while overall emerging markets are up 50% since March. More»

Mexico, Brazil, India home to booming companies

(NEWSER) - American companies should sleep with one eye open: These firms may not be familiar right now, but they're poised to "reshape global industries," the Boston Consulting Group says. CNN lists 10 standouts, based on BCG's 2008 Global Challengers report.

1. Johnson Electric (China): Produces small motors designed for cars and home appliances.

Afghanistan is worst, but deaths during childbirth plummet 40% globally

(NEWSER) - The number of women who die while giving birth has plummeted over the last 30 years, thanks mostly to dramatic improvements in populous rising nations like India, China, Brazil, and Egypt, according to a new study. Globally, 251 mothers died for every 100,000 babies born in 2008, a 40% decrease over 1980, the study revealed. During that period, China’s rate fell from 165 to 40, while India’s fell steeply from 677 to 254. More»

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

(NEWSER) - The “Danish text”—the leaked climate change agreement that infuriated developing nations in Copenhagen and sparked accusations of bullying by rich countries—was actually drafted by a group that included China, India, and Brazil, among other countries. They had “input into the process and product” of the agreement, which seeks to impose stricter limits on developing nations’ emissions, an insider tells the Los Angeles Times . More»

Drug Makers See Future in New Markets

(NEWSER) - The pharmaceutical industry is turning away from the US shores that helped fill its pockets and toward the developing world, the Economist reports. Massive growth has made markets like India and China too attractive to ignore, despite lower income levels and weaker patent laws. And many companies fear Barack Obama's health-care plans will mean major price cuts. More»