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Featured Economic Studies, Productivity & Performance Article, way to understand TRS
A better way to understand TRS

July 2008

Traditional methods of analyzing total returns to shareholders are flawed. There’s a better way.

Featured Economic Studies, Productivity & Performance Article, invest in energy efficiency
How the world should invest in energy efficiency

July 2008

A program that targets cost-effective opportunities in energy productivity could halve the growth in energy demand, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and generate attractive returns.

Featured Economic Studies, Productivity & Performance Article, hiring survey mckinsey
Economic and hiring outlook, Second Quarter 2008: A McKinsey Global Survey

June 2008

Executives say that their companies can’t raise prices to match inflation. Manufacturers— and executives in China—are the only exceptions.

The Archive

2008
Economic and hiring outlook, First Quarter 2008: A McKinsey Global Survey

April 2008

Executives around the world expect their national economies to be negatively affected by a US downturn. Although a majority of the executives say that their economies are linked to that of the United States, only 21 percent report that the linkage has tightened over the past three years.

Dissecting global trends: An example from Italy

March 2008

Executives should examine the impact of trends on subindustries, segments, categories, and micromarkets before placing their bets.

How companies think about climate change: A McKinsey Global Survey

February 2008

A McKinsey Quarterly survey finds that most executives think climate change matters for their companies. Although few have taken action, they are optimistic about the possibilities.

The new role of oil wealth in the world economy

January 2008

Regulators may worry when Arab investors acquire stakes in Western companies, yet vast reserves of petrodollars have kept down interest rates and buoyed financial assets. What’s the broader effect of the surge in petrodollars?

What’s in store for global banking

January 2008

Banking around the world may now be passing through a major cyclical correction, but McKinsey research suggests that the industry’s revenues and profits will double by 2016.

2007
McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Economic and hiring outlook, Fourth Quarter 2007

December 2007

Executives in Western economies see inflation rising and economies declining over the next six months, but many say that their companies plan to hire. Their counterparts elsewhere are more optimistic.

Taking stock: Ten years after the Asian financial crisis

December 2007

The Asian financial system could become a full-fledged partner in the global triad of economic powerhouses, alongside Europe and the United States—but only if its regulatory systems, economic ministries, and financial institutions improve dramatically.

The world’s new financial power brokers

December 2007

Four rising players will continue to grow in wealth and importance, even if interest rates rise and oil prices drop.

McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Economic and hiring outlook, Third Quarter 2007

November 2007

Hiring plans remain strong, despite a dip in confidence as credit market troubles shook the global economy. Mainly because of competition, executives don’t expect to get increased pricing power.

Putting a roof over India: An interview with the country’s biggest developer

November 2007

DLF’s Rajiv Singh talks about the complex challenges of improving India’s infrastructure and the importance of getting it right.

Upgrading India’s energy and transportation networks: An interview with a leading infrastructure builder

November 2007

The chairman of GMR discusses the problems of India’s infrastructure and rural economy.

Clearing the way for robust growth: An interview with India’s chief economic planner

October 2007

Having helped to put India’s economy on the right track, Montek Singh Ahluwalia has now changed focus, to addressing problems with the country’s infrastructure and financial and educational systems.

Creating a modern Indian city: An interview with Delhi’s chief minister

October 2007

Sheila Dikshit discusses the challenge of urban development in India.

Market fundamentals: 2000 versus 2007

September 2007

Whither the S&P 500? Comparing the market’s recent turmoil with its decline at the end of the dot-com boom can help investors assess what might come next.

What businesses need to know about the US current-account deficit

August 2007

The US import balancing act could continue for some time, but the correction, when it comes, will have surprising consequences. Governments and businesses should prepare for them.

Curbing the growth of global energy demand

July 2007

The opportunities for improvement are huge, but market forces alone won’t realize them.

McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Economic and hiring outlook, July 2007 Premium Content

July 2007

More than twice as many companies plan to increase their workforces as to shrink them, with most new jobs in the same country as headquarters. Executives are optimistic about prospects for the economies of their home countries, despite fear of rising inflation.

Fulfilling the potential of Latin America's financial systems

June 2007

Although the region's financial depth is low, Latin America could be on the verge of a breakthrough if policy makers continue reducing public debt and reforming the financial and legal systems.

A new direction for France Premium Content

May 2007

As a candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy promised to reform the French economy. Now he must deliver.

Europe's productivity challenge Premium Content

May 2007

Europe can catch up with the United States. But to do so it must encourage competition, regulate business more astutely, change the role of the state, and develop new competitive strategies.

Tapping Latin America's potential in services Premium Content

May 2007

While Asia booms, Latin American economies sputter. To drive significant growth, they should overhaul their policies for the service sector.

Finland's jobs challenge Premium Content

April 2007

Finland's employment levels will have to rise if the country is to support its aging population.

McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Confidence Index, April 2007 Premium Content

April 2007

Executives around the world retain a positive economic outlook, despite less improvement in economic conditions than expected six months ago. Many plan to continue hiring, and the most senior executives are the likeliest to foresee larger workforces.

McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Inflation and pricing, April 2007 Premium Content

April 2007

Inflation expectations remain high, and pricing power is uncertain.

What's ahead for business in Brazil

April 2007

The economy is more stable that it's been in quite a while, and many industries are riding high—for the time being.

Assessing Brazil's offshoring prospects Premium Content

March 2007

The country has several key advantages, but shortfalls in its regulatory environment and market potential are holding it back.

Developing Mexico's offshoring opportunity Premium Content

March 2007

To take advantage of the growing global market for offshored services, the country must do more to improve the suitability of its workforce.

Five priorities for Brazil's economy

March 2007

To enter the ranks of the world’s leading economies, the country must remove entrenched barriers to productivity.

How Chile can win from offshoring Premium Content

March 2007

The country has already attracted the attention of multinationals; now it must address its shortcomings to reach its offshoring potential.

Promoting growth and social progress: An interview with the president of Chile

March 2007

Michelle Bachelet discusses her views on the roots of political upheaval in Latin America, and the link between economic development and the fight against poverty.

The Latin American opportunity

March 2007

The way to check the populist revival is to bring the benefits of change to the mass of the population.

Tread lightly along the new Silk Road Premium Content

March 2007

The reincarnation of what was once the world's dominant trade route may reshape the face of the global economy.

A cost curve for greenhouse gas reduction

February 2007

A global study of the size and cost of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions yields important insights for businesses and policy makers.

Making the most of the world's energy resources

February 2007

Demand for energy is set to grow rapidly during the next 15 years—unless governments, businesses, and consumers take advantage of the many substantial, economically viable, and technologically proven opportunities to boost energy productivity.

Modernizing the United Arab Emirates: An interview with Minister of Economy Lubna Al Qasimi

February 2007

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi discusses the opportunities and challenges that the United Arab Emirates faces in diversifying its economy beyond oil.

An executive perspective on global capital markets: A McKinsey Survey Premium Content

January 2007

Globalization of capital markets is an overwhelmingly positive trend, say executives, who also pinpoint some areas in need of improvement.

Mapping the global capital markets, January 2007: Europe rising Premium Content

January 2007

A recent analysis of the world's financial markets shows how they are changing, with the eurozone countries wielding ever more influence.

Meeting Bahrain's challenges: An interview with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa

January 2007

Sheikh Salman discusses the current economic and political reforms in Bahrain as the country moves toward a future beyond oil.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Confidence Index, January 2007

January 2007

With confidence unshaken, executives are keen to hire, particularly in Asia.

What US workers don’t know about retirement Premium Content

January 2007

Many preretirees have too rosy a picture of their golden years, and financial-planning firms have yet to develop helpful solutions.

2006
China's and India's financial systems: A barrier to growth Premium Content

November 2006

Reducing government interference in the financial sector and strengthening its market orientation are essential to make it allocate capital efficiently and meet the needs of savers.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives : Confidence Index, October 2006

October 2006

Executives' confidence has been rising, and many companies plan to create new jobs—mostly at home.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Confidence Index, July 2006

July 2006

Executives—especially those in India—are less confident than they were three months ago, but many of their companies are still hiring.

The new Silk Road: Opportunities for Asia and the Gulf

July 2006

Asia needs capital. The Gulf States are not only flush with money but also have massive infrastructure needs that Asian companies can help meet. Both sides need regulatory reform to make the most of this moment.

How financial-system reform could benefit China Premium Content

June 2006

A more efficient financial system could have a profound and far-reaching impact on China's economy.

Sweden's growth paradox Premium Content

June 2006

Productivity is rising, but the level of employment among working-age people actually declined from 1992 to 2003.

The road ahead for capitalism in China Premium Content

June 2006

One of China's leading economists and a longtime champion of its transition to free markets says that it faces two starkly contrasting futures: a market economy under the rule of law or crony capitalism.

The value of China's emerging middle class

June 2006

Demographic shifts and a burgeoning economy will unleash a huge wave of consumer spending in urban China.

How Brazil can grow Premium Content

May 2006

Social and economic policies can help the country overcome entrenched barriers to increased productivity.

Services and Ireland's long-term growth Premium Content

May 2006

Only foreign-owned companies producing for export really excel. Service sector reform is an urgent priority.

Where US productivity is growing Premium Content

May 2006

Although more industries are seeing gains, the service sector is still the most important driver.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives : Confidence Index, April 2006

April 2006

Executives' confidence in economic conditions has risen for the second consecutive quarter.

The link between management and productivity Premium Content

February 2006

It's official: a company's economic success rests on the quality of its managers.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives : Confidence Index, January 2006

January 2006

Economic confidence is up worldwide but varies from country to country, notably in the booming economies of China and India.

2005
Global Survey of Business Executives: Inflation and Pricing Premium Content

December 2005

Inflation is on the rise; pricing power isn't.

Attracting more offshoring to the Philippines Premium Content

November 2005

Despite recent gains, much work needs to be done.

China's looming talent shortage Premium Content

November 2005

To make the move from manufacturing to services, China must raise the quality of its university graduates.

Morocco's offshoring advantage Premium Content

November 2005

The country is in a position to become the destination of choice for French-speaking companies.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives , October 2005

October 2005

Executives' confidence in the US economy has fallen rapidly—global outlook is unchanged.

A road map for European economic reform Premium Content

September 2005

The region must do away with restrictive regulations and embrace competition.

India's economic agenda: An interview with Manmohan Singh

September 2005

The prime minister discusses his plans to modernize the country's infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and create jobs—all in the service of eliminating chronic poverty and disease in India.

Making India a global hub Premium Content

September 2005

India could be a global leader in education and financial services, to name just two possibilities, asserts the IMF's chief economist—but not until it opens up to the world.

Reforming India's financial system

September 2005

Its underdevelopment is hindering the country's economic growth.

How France can win from offshoring Premium Content

August 2005

The cost benefits have started to tempt more and more French companies. Instead of resisting the trend, policy makers should explore the ways France could gain from it.

Sizing the emerging global labor market

August 2005

Rational behavior from both companies and countries can help it work more efficiently.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives , July 2005

July 2005

Confidence is down, distractions are up.

India's lagging financial system

May 2005

The country must develop its financial system in order to keep pace with China.

The economic impact of an aging Europe Premium Content

May 2005

The aging of European populations will threaten living standards and prosperity.

The economic impact of an aging Japan Premium Content

May 2005

The rapid aging of the Japanese population will dramatically reduce savings and wealth—and cut off an important supply of capital to the world.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives: Confidence Index, April 2005

April 2005

Executives are less confident than they were a year ago, particularly in Asia's developed economies, but many still plan to expand the workforce.

A silver lining in the US trade deficit Premium Content

March 2005

The successful global expansion of multinational companies is a major contributor to the trade imbalance.

Mapping the global capital markets

March 2005

In-depth analysis of the financial assets of more than 100 countries shows that financial markets are becoming deeper, more liquid, and increasingly integrated.

The demographic deficit: How aging will reduce global wealth

March 2005

To fill the coming gap in global savings and financial wealth, households and governments will need to increase their savings rates and earn higher returns on the assets they already have.

Don't blame trade for US job losses

February 2005

A new look at US trade and employment data shows why it’s wrong to believe that foreign competition accounts for weak job growth since 2000.

Getting Belgium back to work Premium Content

February 2005

Looming health care and pension costs will force the country to lure more people into the workforce.

Reining in Brazil's informal economy

January 2005

As in many developing nations, the gray market is strangling productivity and growth.

2004
Encouraging consumer spending in China

December 2004

Weak consumer spending in China is emerging as a big obstacle to the country’s sustained growth.

The landlocked continent Premium Content

December 2004

Europe's land-use policies limit productivity. Changing them could create jobs and boost competition.

How Germany can win from offshoring

November 2004

Offshoring could create new wealth for Germany, but only if it adopts the structural reforms needed to reemploy its displaced workers.

Governing globalization

August 2004

The public and private sectors must collaborate closely to ensure that all workers benefit from the global economic integration.

Helping Britons work smarter Premium Content

August 2004

UK workers aren’t as productive as their counterparts in other leading developed nations. It will take more than innovation to close the gap.

The hidden dangers of the informal economy Premium Content

August 2004

Governments suppose that the gray market creates jobs and relieves social tensions. Academics think it will disappear of its own accord. Neither idea stands up to scrutiny.

The high price of success Premium Content

August 2004

The Bay Area’s steep cost of living has started to hamper its nascent recovery.

What makes a city a financial hub? Premium Content

August 2004

Up-and-coming cities in Asia and Eastern Europe are eager to know how to attract multinational financial-services companies.

A richer future for India Premium Content

July 2004

Two industries have shown what can be achieved when the country opens itself up to the world. Now the rest of the economy should follow suit.

Exploding the myths of offshoring Premium Content

July 2004

Far from damaging the economy of the United States, offshoring should enable its companies to direct resources to next-generation technologies and ideas—if public policy doesn't get in the way.

Getting our readers' take on the world

July 2004

The Quarterly's latest survey of global executives finds their optimism tempered somewhat, but bullish on India, China hiring, and IT spending.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives , July 2004

July 2004

The second McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives finds that corporate leaders are still confident—especially about hiring, IT spending, China, and India—though they’ve tempered their earlier enthusiasm.

The power of productivity

May 2004

Poor countries should put their consumers first.

The McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives , March 2004 Premium Content

March 2004

Executives around the world voice cautious optimism on the economy. They’re bullish on outsourcing and Asia but concerned about talent and capital.

The truth about foreign direct investment in emerging markets Premium Content

February 2004

Developing countries think they must not only offer incentives to attract foreign direct investment but also protect their local economies by restricting the way multinationals operate. Are these countries wrong on both counts?

2003
Educating global workers

December 2003

Poor education in the developing world is not a barrier to improving productivity there. But economic growth is needed before education can progress.

Who wins in offshoring Premium Content

December 2003

By moving service industry work to countries with lower labor costs, US companies can focus on creating higher-value jobs.

What high tech can learn from slow-growth industries

November 2003

To drive productivity, high-tech executives should focus not just on technological innovation but also on business process innovation.

French and German banking: Showing IT's strength Premium Content

February 2003

All three drivers of productivity—innovation, demand, and consolidation—must be exploited to achieve the full benefit of each.

French and German trucking: IT for the long haul Premium Content

February 2003

Continued consolidation is needed but won’t be enough—only IT-enabled innovation can help road freight companies enjoy productivity growth rates like those of the late ‘90s.

Reviving French and German productivity

February 2003

Differences in IT spending are not the root cause of the gap between US and European productivity. Europe's basic problem is inappropriate regulation that hinders innovation.

Telecom: Advantage, France and Germany Premium Content

February 2003

The United States still leads the pack in fixed-line services. But France and Germany have the advantage in mobile ones.

2002
How good management raises productivity

November 2002

Effective management has long been thought to make companies more efficient. Here’s proof.

What Germans really think Premium Content

August 2002

The people are ready for change and for the tough decisions needed to push the economy. Their leaders now have a chance to engage them in a serious dialogue about economic reform and revival.

Preparing for a financial crisis Premium Content

June 2002

Companies can do much to avoid falling victim to sudden national financial emergencies. Although the tally of such events is rising, many businesses remain unprepared for them.

Banking: The IT paradox Premium Content

February 2002

Despite much higher IT outlays by the retail-banking industry, its labor productivity growth rates have actually dropped. What went wrong?

Computers: Why the party's over Premium Content

February 2002

Higher sales of more powerful computers propelled the industry’s success in the late 1990s. But the tide may have turned for the worse—at least for computer manufacturers.

Retail: The Wal-Mart effect Premium Content

February 2002

Information technology isn’t the whole story behind productivity.

Still productive after all these years

February 2002

The US economy, though not immune from unforeseen shocks, is fairly well prepared to cope with them.

What's right with the US economy

February 2002

The secret behind the new economy isn’t information technology but old-fashioned competition and managerial innovation.