International Sector Report

EWS March 6 - 11.63

March 20 (midday) - 11.93

VWO March 6 - 74.50

March 20 (midday) - 76.34

Singapore's exports weakened due to its reliance on the US economy which appears to be slowing. It is, however, seen as an indirect way to invest in China because many of the Singapore-based financial companies are expected to play a part in financing the massive country's expansion. China raised interest rates .27% this past week, which shows confidence in the strength of the economy.

Emerging markets news: President Bush took a long trip to Latin America over the past week or so. One main issue was free trade, which he supported and pushed for in Guatemala specifically. He focused on immigration reform in Mexico. Bush was met with a lot of resistance, mostly from Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez who labeled Bush's trip an exercise in American imperialism.