In Brief

By Carole Buia

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.

--By Carole Buia

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.