global competition

World markets got a boost this week from Japan's pledge to help overly indebted EU nations. What's behind Japan's move? Sure, the spirit of global cooperation is part of it. But much more significant is Tokyo's need to keep pace with Beijing in the influence game.

Is the U.S. losing its ability to compete in the global economy? While it certainly isn't out of the race, American competitiveness seems to be slipping, at least according to a new ranking by the World Economic Forum.