Financial crisis weighs on executives' minds

By Patrick M. Fitzgibbons

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The most serious financial crisis in decades has caused business executives and government officials around the world to rein in their expectations for short- and long-term growth and warn that business volatility will be around for some time to come.

In a series of interviews with Reuters reporters, these executives -- from industries as varied as Internet retailing to mining to baked goods -- spoke of the widening global credit crisis and their many concerns.

Most said they were keeping a close eye on Washington, to see how the $700 billion bailout package designed to halt the crisis would work.

What's more, on Monday, markets around the world fell on concerns that the bailout would not be enough.

This is Reuters' fourth wrap-up of comments on this crisis.

The following are excerpts and highlights from interviews with executives on Monday:

JOHN DONOHOE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF EBAY INC

Donohoe said the company is in a "very strong position" with no debt, available credit lines, and over $3 billion in cash. The bigger question, he said, is "What do we see happening to consumer spending?"

"There is no doubt consumer spending has tightened, we see that both on eBay and PayPal and as well the strength of the dollar is influencing cross-border trade.

"We anticipate a fairly competitive holiday season where consumers will be looking to save that extra buck. Similarly, there are people who will be looking to make a little more money, to sell something. We're focused ... on helping consumers get through this time and holiday season by offering the lowest prices."

BRENDA BARNES, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, SARA LEE

"We certainly hope that the credit market eases up because it's putting a squeeze on us and our customers.

She insisted Sara Lee was OK. "We're fine. We haven't run into trouble. We also have cash, which we can access."

"During the early days there were some days when it was very tight. We had a credit facility that we certainly relied upon."

WAL-MART STORES INC'S CRAIG HERKERT, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE AMERICAS