SURVEYS: CEOs, CFOs DIFFER IN OUTLOOK FOR COMING MONTHS
Despite a relatively uncertain economic cycle, the CEOs of America's top companies showed a slight uptick in their expectations for the economy over the next six months, according to Business Roundtable's fourth quarter 2007 CEO Economic Outlook Survey.

In stark contrast to that survey, optimism among chief financial officers about the U.S. economy plunged to a record low this quarter in a separate survey by Duke University/CFO Magazine, driven by growing concern about weak consumer demand, high fuel costs, rising labor costs and credit markets. This pessimism will slow growth in earnings, capital spending, and hiring. CFO Survey, CEO Survey

TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS M&A DEALS ON PACE TO BEAT 2006
Total transportation and logistics deal volume for 2007 is on pace to exceed 2006 levels, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ quarterly report on M&A in the global transportation and logistics industry. This may be due in part to the effects of the decline in debt market liquidity and stock market volatility felt by financial investors. Total deal value during the first three quarters of 2007 exceeded the total deal value announced during the comparable period in 2006.

Based on value, U.S. firms have been leading acquisition targets for M&A deals worth more than $50 million in 2006 and the first three quarters of 2007. More...

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER, YOUR SUPPLIER, THEIR SUPPLIERS & THEIR CUSTOMERS
Many importers have taken to screening all of their suppliers domestically and globally, according to this article from IndustryWeek. The author suggests that companies protect themselves by scrutinizing potential suppliers' general and financial operational practices, starting with a questionnaire concerning business practices, employee benefit information and facility information. Do a site visit and interview some of the company's employees.

Put that supplier "on probation" for awhile until they prove to be ethical, conscientious and compliant member of the supply chain. Physical audits are recommended on a regular basis to ensure that supplier's conduct remains high. More...

WTO 2007 TRADE STATISTICS: U.S. IS NO. 2 EXPORTER
The World Trade Organization's International Trade Statistics 2007 provides a broad overview of export and import activity between its member countries. The report is packed with numbers – many of which may not be of much interest– but if you dig, there are a few interesting nuggets. In 2006, the U.S. was the No. 2 exporter in the world behind Germany, and the No. 1 importer ahead of Germany. China comes in third. When including the EU as one unit, combined EU member countries are No. 1 in exporting. Canada is No. 9 in the world in both exporting and importing product and services.

The report also looks at trade by product and service area, as well as by region and country. World trade in machinery and transport equipment, which is the largest sector in the trade of manufactures, grew by 14% in 2006. More...

TAINTED PRODUCTS FROM CHINA DON'T DISSUADE MANUFACTURERS
Despite the spate of recent product recalls, China remains and probably will remain the preferred destination for outsourced manufacturing. A recent survey found manufacturers do not believe relocating to other countries would guarantee immunity from supply chain breakdowns. Respondents said they were confident that their management in China was "more than adequate." To illustrate this, less than a quarter of respondents said they had reviewed their supply chain practices after recent product recalls. Just one in five said they were considering changes to their quality control process.

In the survey, enforcement of intellectual property rights beat quality control concerns as the biggest issue in outsourcing production to the country. More...

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