By Jeffrey Goldfarb
The assault from fellow Republicans on the front-runner’s record at Bain makes for an absurd spectacle. Huntsman’s family business agreed to an LBO while Gingrich advised Teddy Forstmann. The slings won’t derail Romney, but the collateral damage could hurt the buyout industry.

Campaign-mode Obama leaves economy to luck

By Daniel Indiviglio
After the August debt ceiling fight, the White House said it would focus on jobs. But recent initiatives look like vote-grabbing gimmicks. Politics makes meaningful action tough. Still, a hands-off approach could backfire if voters don't feel more warmth of recovery by November.

ECB will find it hard to avoid pain on Greek debt

By Neil Unmack
The central bank’s refusal to participate in the Greek debt restructuring becomes harder to sustain as Athens threatens to become more coercive. And any attempt to spare the ECB losses will make it look as if it enjoys implicit seniority, pushing sovereign yields even higher.

Apple ties Cook into Jobs' boots - at a price

By Robert Cyran
The maker of functional but expensive gadgets now has a $376 mln CEO retention plan to match. Tim Cook will get that if he’s around for a decade. He deserves much after standing in for Steve Jobs, and Apple needs continuity. But in future the board can pay Cook more like Jobs.

Fast-train UK hopes for some Olympic speed

By Ian Campbell
The decision to go ahead with the new high-speed rail shows the UK government is on the right track. It has been cutting its over-large public sector but wants to invest for long-term growth. Some added pace from the Olympics and the Queen’s jubilee should help this year.

Loss of Bhattal may signal Nomura retreat

By John Foley
The retirement of ex-Lehman banker Jesse Bhattal, a year after being promoted to the top job, curtails the Japanese firm’s quest to be a globally relevant investment bank. Weak markets and the unexpected resilience of bulge-bracket rivals presented Bhattal with a Herculean task.

Taiwan voters should focus on growth, not China

By Wayne Arnold
A second term for President Ma Ying-jeou may push Taiwan faster towards its giant neighbour. But flagging exports are more pressing. With only Ma likely to spend what it takes to perk up growth, a decisive victory for his party in elections on Jan. 14 would be best for the economy.
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