FOREIGN MARKETS

CHINA

Up 2.7%

The CSI 300 index rose 2.7 per cent during the past five days, reducing the loss on a year-to-date basis to 19.77 per cent. Industrials, information technology, health care and materials led the way, rising between 3.09 per cent and 5.23 per cent. China's central bank said it would keep a "moderately loose" monetary policy, according to Bloomberg News.

JAPAN

Up 1.1%

The Nikkei 225 rose 1.1 per cent this week although it fell 1.64 per cent on Friday as a result of a higher-than-estimated unemployment rate and a drop in industrial production, Bloomberg said.

BRITAIN

Down 1.0%

The FTSE 100 index fell 1.0 per cent this week on an indicated slowdown of the U.S. economy, according to Bloomberg. The financials rose in price, led by Prudential PLC, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays PLC and Royal Bank of Scotland, which climbed between 5.2 per cent and 10.2 per cent.

BRAZIL

Up 1.8%

The Bovespa index rose 1.8 per cent this week, sparked by improved corporate profitability, according to Bloomberg. "Brazilian stocks are extending their longest rally since 2003 after the central bank signalled borrowing costs may rise at a slower pace, boosting the outlook for retailers and banks that depend on credit," the news agency said.