Quick Overview

• The U.S. trade deficit widened to a record 725.8 billion in 2005. U.S. exports were up $2.3 billion in December to $111.5 billion while imports were up $3.3 billion to $177.2 billion.
  
  

• Brazil's advance to an investment grade rating is a matter of time now that the South American nation's economy is on a stable growth trajectory, Finance Minister Antonio Palocci.
  
  

• This year Brazils government has bought back $2.3 billion of about $90 billion of debt denominated in foreign currencies.
  

• YoY Japans producer price index was up 2.7% in January.
  

• Japans machinery orders were up 6.8% in December, more than expected.
  

• Canada's unemployment rate increased from 6.5% to 6.6% in January
  

• France's GDP increased 1.4% in 2005, down from 2.1% YoY.