The rise of large economic regions rivaling the United States will challenge its competitive strength and ability to withstand cross-border economic turbulence--a challenge the U.S. has not faced in more than 50 years. To meet this challenge, American business leaders need a comprehensive understanding of the existing global economic and monetary system. It is that, plus an explanation of international economic trend analysis, that Schaefer's book provides. Based on key economic and financial indicators published weekly in The Economist, Schaefer integrates a discussion of established international economic concepts with actual economic and financial data, giving readers a system to evaluate current economic indicators and anticipate future trends. An important resource for professionals and academics in international finance and investment, and for corporate management operating on a global scale.

This book combines both a comprehensive analytical framework and economic statistics that enable business decision makers to anticipate developing economic trends. The author blends recent and historical economic data with economic theory to provide important benchmarks or rules of thumb that give both economists and noneconomists enhanced understanding of unfolding economic data and their interrelationships. Through the matrix system, a disciplined approach is described for integrating readily available economic data into a comprehensive analysis without complex formulas. The extensive appendix of monthly key economic factors for 1978-1991 makes this an important reference source for economic and financial trend analysis.

A new and practical method for economic trend analysis is introduced that provides more advanced knowledge than available from economic newsletters. Schaeffer begins with a general description of the business cycle and the typical behavior and effect of the credit markets, commercial banks, and the Federal Reserve. Next, fourteen key economic factors regularly reported by the business press are described, such as the capacity utilization rate and yield on three-month Treasury bills. Benchmarks for each of these key economic factors are set forth, together with an insightful discussion of the interrelationships indicating economic trends. A detailed discussion of the 1978-1991 American economy, incorporating monthly data from the historical matrix, demonstrates the practical application of the matrix system. Executives, investors, financial officers, and government policymakers will find this book useful in decision making.