US energy: easy does it for Texas deregulation

The state claims there will be no repeat of the California fiasco, as it has adopted a much more gradual approach and maintains sufficient reserve capacity to ward off any shortages. While consumer groups remain unconvinced, the state is unlikely to bow to their demands. And the plan does at least look more likely to succeed than California's.

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US energy: California won't pay the price

The state government in California is trying to claw back the concessions that were "gouged" out of it during the January 2001 power shortages. It is appealing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to overturn the contracts it signed. Energy companies could soon see the profitable deals come to an end, but some are not worried.

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US energy: Bush plan unlikely to solve current problems

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US energy trading: struggling to survive

Dynegy's decision to pay the fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission, increases pressure on the beleaguered US energy trading segment, which has all but died in the aftermath of Enron's bankruptcy last year. The industry can only begin to recover once all SEC and FERC investigations are complete.

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US economy: some breaks in the clouds

This is positive news for the US economy. While the WTC attacks had a major impact on the US, aggressive rate cuts and buying strategies have been effective to an extent. Although the country is officially in recession, these figures deliver a source of encouragement for US retailers heading into the all-important holiday season.

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US baby boomers: chasing the golden years

According to AARP's survey, many of America's baby boomers feel they are lagging behind financially. Such worrying sentiments are likely to drive changing patterns of consumption: makers of consumer packaged goods must now focus not only on offering high quality products, but also at lower prices and more readily at discount channels.

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US autos: divine intervention

While leading US bishops and rabbis have recently been busy applying moral pressure to help protect the environment, the Bush administration was toying with proposals that would force car manufacturers to do so. Ultimately, however, neither initiative is likely to impose real changes on carmakers.

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US Airways: unsure future

US courts have been quick to help their first airline facing severe trouble post-September 11. The court decision will give US Airways access to funds that will allow it to continue to offer a reasonably full service. However, survival packages may not be enough to save the bankrupt airline, if the current economic conditions continue.

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US agriculture: good crop, bad crop

The controversy surrounding genetically modified crops affects almost all the food industry, from seed companies to consumers. Inconsistent global regulation is further fueling the debate, and the consequences. Financial stakes are high and passions higher. With no middle ground between opinions, regulators are left playing a vital but difficult role.

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UPS: the best for B2B express

Datamonitor's research found that UPS' huge investment in Europe has paid off, with GeoPost, TNT and DHL also strong contenders. It's also clear that business customers' motivators for awarding contracts have changed. Rather than widening their networks and improving their IT systems, logistics providers need to cut price and boost flexibility.

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