Survey: More economists see US recession ahead

The number of economists forecasting the US will slip into recession almost doubled over the last two months, according to a survey by the National Association for Business Economics (NABE).

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Mukesh Ambani beats brother Anil on India's rich list

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani extended his lead over younger brother Anil as the second-richest Indian, as his Reliance Industries Ltd benefited the most from a record stock market rally.

NYSE chief Thain takes on Merrill mantle

When John Thain started trading mortgages at Goldman Sachs Group Inc more than 20 years ago, little did he know it would help make him the indispensable man when Merrill Lynch & Co made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Goldman veteran to head exchange

Duncan Niederauer, named to replace John Thain as head of NYSE Euronext, is likely to follow the strategy of his former Goldman Sachs Group Inc colleague for expanding the stock exchange.

Biz people

Buffett hits out at 'plutocracy'

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Business International

Emirates may sell 30% stake in IPO

Emirates, the biggest Arab airline, may seek as much as $9 billion in a share sale, provided the Dubai government approves an initial public offering that would be the largest in the Middle East.

Qantas to spend $6.3b on planes

Qantas Airways Ltd, Australia's biggest airline, ordered 99 Airbus SAS and Boeing Co planes worth at least $6.3 billion to help fend off competition from low-cost carriers.

Skymark Air says net income soared

Skymark Airlines Inc, Japan's largest low-fare carrier, more than doubled net income in the fiscal second quarter after winning passengers from larger All Nippon Airways Co and Japan Airlines Corp.