In Brief

CHECK YOUR BAGS Airlines are trying to ease terminal congestion with hundreds of automated kiosks where e-ticket passengers can check in, select seats, answer security questions and obtain boarding passes. Luggage delayed? Northwest will compensate its passengers with vouchers (minimum $25) to use on future bookings. But Biztravel.com is upping the ante: if a flight on one of the six major carriers it books is delayed an hour, expect a $100 refund.

EAST HEADS SOUTH Investing in Asia has never been for those with weak stomachs. Last year the region showed a sturdy recovery from its 1997 financial crisis. This year? Different story. In dollar terms, year to date, South Korea's stock market is down 48%, Taiwan's is down 36%, and Indonesia's is down 54%. Excluding fixed currencies such as the Hong Kong dollar and the Chinese renminbi, the majority of Asian currencies are having a difficult time maintaining their strengths. Looking for a bottom? Be patient. The region is marred by inflated oil prices and political unrest, so most analysts aren't expecting Asian stock markets to recover soon.

Asian Funds -- Ytd 10/30/00 -- Ytd 10/30/99
Smith Barney Pacific L -- (49.54) -- 56.31
INVESCO Pacific Basin -- (43.94) -- 35.27
Federated Asia Pacific Growth C -- (41.27) -- 74.37
Prudential Pacific Growth B -- (38.67) -- 46.90
Excelsior Pacific /Asia Fund -- (36.03) -- 51.05

Sources: Wiesenberger, Thomson Financial; IDEAglobal * YTD market levels are as of 11/3/00.