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The article focuses on Web search giant Google, as the company increasingly becomes the starting point for finding information and buying products and services. Other companies are beginning to view the company with anxiety and admiration. Recent moves by Google have stirred concern in a number of industries. The company could extend its economic reach in the coming years, according to analysts, and may have a more far-reaching impact than earlier Web companies such as Amazon and eBay. New projects being developed by Google are focusing on real estate and automobile sales.

Suggests that the withdrawal of Cnooc Ltd.'s bid for Unocal seems unlikely to derail China's economic expansion overseas. U.S. concerns over the Chinese company's proposed deal; Observation that, while Congressional resistance appears to have killed the Chinese bid, the economic fundamentals behind the bid remain in place; Impact of the failed bid on Chinese public opinion toward the U.S.; Worries that the failed bid could encourage Chinese oil companies to invest in countries like Sudan and Myanmar, whose leaderships are in poor favor with the U.S.; Views of analysts; Significance of the agreement by Nanjing Automobile of China to buy a factory and other assets from bankrupt MG Rover Group of Britain; Topic of energy assets.

Has Asia's economic recovery reached a turning point? Recent economic data, some unexpectedly good results from companies around the region, early signs of some new hiring, and a stock market rally that has defied most analysts' expectations would seem to indicate that perhaps it has. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports that the economic recovery in Argentina has defied forecasts. Background on Argentina's economic collapse in December 2001; Details of the country's economic rebound; Economic indicators, including a stable currency; Investments; How the recovery has been achieved in part by ignoring and even defying economic and political orthodoxy; Role of the Peronist-led government in stimulating internal consumption; Views of analysts; Consumer behavior; Why traditional free-market economists remain skeptical of the government's approach; Outlook.

Examines how Ireland's economic boom has left the country with some of the highest prices in Europe. Inflation details; How the change has been across the board, from groceries and clothing to services and utilities; Social and economic impact of price increases on the country; Housing prices; Complaints of consumers; Tourism industry; Views of analysts regarding Ireland's period of runaway inflation; How businesses in Ireland are also feeling the impact.

Discusses the ability of Australia to continue its economic expansion while other industrialized countries struggle. Prediction that Australia's economy will expand by 3 percent in 2003; Observation that Australia has gone longer without a recession than at any time in its history and that it has exceeded the U.S.'s longest recorded expansion from 1991 to 2001; Speculation about the causes for the expansion; High levels of disposable income for residents in Australia; Concerns about how a war between the U.S. and Iraq could affect Australia.