Why Is Beijing Investing $200 Billion in One Company? The answer is simple. This rail company hauls 25% of the world’s freight – but it only has 6% of the world’s track. Right now, freight supply is 65% shy of demand. Sales for this company have grown on average 47% over the last five year. And now, with a $200 billion infusion, it’s about to jump even higher. Estimates show the potential gains at 356%. Click here for the full report.

By Bob Blandeburgo
Associate Editor
Money Morning

The much-anticipated earnings report from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and new data from the U.S. Department of Commerce yesterday (Thursday) showed that consumers are not only reeling in their discretionary spending, but may also be pulling the reins on the necessities.

Retail sales fell 0.1% in July from the previous month, and 8.3% from a …

In the currency market, the dollar eased against the euro. Late Wednesday, the euro was trading at $1.358 vs. $1.3464 on Tuesday.

The buck was whacked even worse earlier in the day, as Geithner responded to the Chinese suggestion by calling People’s Bank of China Gov. Zhou Xiaochuan “a sensible man.” Geithner added that “everything he said deserves consideration.”

But later on, Geithner backtracked by insisting that the dollar remains the main global reserve currency, and that he does not see a change in that status in the foreseeable future. He also further clarified official U.S. policy by reiterating the Treasury’s long-held stance that a strong dollar is in America’s interest.

“But the damage was done,” said Michael Gregory, of BMO Capital Markets. “There are theoretical merits to a non-country specific reserve currency such as the SDR, but two wrongs don’t make a right and this is not a university lecture.”