This means the airlines have the ability to benefit from public subsidies, cheap labor and preferential fuel prices not available to U.S. and European carriers.

FORBES: Connect

Those rules, which are expected to be finalized in mid-2012, constitute another preferential subsidy for wind energy that will raise electricity prices for everyone, whether they rely upon that source or not.

FORBES: Too-Green-To-Fail Energy Policies Flunk Achievement Tests

Critics -- including consumer groups, librarians and other entertainment companies -- question whether one company should get preferential treatment for sweeping legislation it wants to ensure that the company can continue charging premium prices for videos and other products featuring Mickey Mouse and a menagerie of other popular cartoon characters.

CNN: Disney In Washington: The Mouse That Roars

Meanwhile, the South Asian Preferential Tariff Agreement, which took effect Dec. 8, is expected to boost trade and help hold down prices in products made in the subcontinent.

CNN: BUSINESS FORECAST '96