The trade boom was partly due to more liberal government policies, with Britain the first big country to open its markets.

ECONOMIST: Business books (5)

How big a speed bump that will be for each country is an open question.

FORBES: European Economy

First, America has made particularly big productivity strides in retailing, where big firms such as Wal-Mart have been able to open sprawling warehouses and superstores around the country.

ECONOMIST: A lost opportunity