GLOBAL MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
More money, more risk in the new economic order 03-04-05 (Yahoo) The world's financial assets now exceed $118 trillion - more than double the amount in 1993, 10 times the total in 1980. That phenomenal growth is fueling the forces reshaping the global economy. The result is far more liquidity but also more risk. And who owns and manages those assets is also undergoing significant change, which means the balance of economic power in the world is shifting. 
Eurozone rate rise prospect draws nearer 03-04-05 (Financial Times) The European Central Bank on Thursday sent the clearest signal yet that its next interest rate move would be upwards as it glossed over the recent weakness of eurozone growth. 
IMF slashes eurozone growth forecasts 03-03-05 (Financial Times) The International Monetary Fund has slashed growth forecasts for the eurozone, and particularly Germany, according to draft figures obtained by Financial Times Deutschland, the FT's German sister paper. 
Springtime for Jobs in February? 03-03-05 (Yahoo) How strong will February's employment report be? The market will be braced for an upside surprise in nonfarm payroll growth when the monthly report is released on Mar. 4. 
Strong business investment 03-03-05 (Yahoo) U.S. economic activity expanded at an impressive 3.8 percent annual rate during the fourth quarter, according to upwardly revised data released recently by the Commerce Department. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures appear to remain well contained. 

 LATIN AMERICA
Brazils Economy Grows 5.2 Percent in 2004 03-03-05 (Yahoo) SAO PAULO, Brazil - Brazil's economy expanded 5.2 percent in 2004, rebounding from anemic growth the year before and making its best showing in a decade, the government said Tuesday. 

 ASIA
China fuels energy cold war 03-03-05 (Yahoo) HONG KONG - A notable feature of 2004 was the volatility in oil prices - New York light sweet crude prices reached a peak of US$55.67 on October 25, ending the year up 33.6% at $43.45 per barrel. While a number of supply-side and supply-chain factors have contributed to this situation, the most significant long-term factor contributing to rising oil prices is an increase in Asian demand, most notably from China. China's unprecedented growth not only makes it a driver of a long-term increase in energy prices, but also the most vulnerable to rising oil prices. 

 OIL PRICES
Investors fear new Bolivia gas law 03-03-05 (Financial Times) Bolivia's lower house of Congress is on the verge of passing a controversial hydrocarbons law that could alienate foreign investment in the country, which has the second largest reserves of gas in Latin America. 
Oil Sets 4-Month High, Touches $52.50 03-03-05 (Yahoo) LONDON (Reuters) - Crude oil prices set new four-month highs above $52 a barrel on Wednesday after U.S. government data showed a sharp cold spell had eaten into stockpiles of heating oil and distillate fuels.