More countries are open to international trade and investment than ever before.
For corporate giants, the biggest opportunities are far beyond their home markets. This year's Global 1000 is a barometer of such change. The rankings, based on how the market values a company, show that investors are clearly valuing global champions while shunning domestic also-rans. From the U.S. to Europe to Japan, the companies moving up the rankings are those that have become worldwide names in technology, manufacturing, and consumer goods. As in recent years, the U.S. is at the center of the action in 1996.