11.   Bonds plunged as many investors bet the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee would raise interest rates before the end of the year to slow economic growth and curb inflation.

12.   Bonds gained for the first time in four days amid optimism government reports tomorrow and Friday will show a cooling economy is curbing inflation.

13.   A rising peso makes Mexican stocks worth more in dollar terms and can curb inflation, which might enable the Bank of Mexico to cut local borrowing costs.

14.   A higher currency can slow the economy, taking pressure off Clarke to raise rates to curb inflation remains subdued.

15.   A strong currency helps curb inflation in that country by making imports less expensive.

16.   A stronger dollar, while enhancing the international buying power of Americans and helping to curb inflation, also tends to make U.S. goods more expensive for foreigners.

17.   A stronger peso makes imported goods less expensive, which can help curb inflation and allow the Bank of Mexico to cut local borrowing costs.

18.   But if the economy has slowed enough to allow the Fed to shift its sights from curbing inflation to promoting growth again, then there will be little conflict.

19.   By curbing inflation, the central bank would be protecting the returns on long-term fixed-income investments and freeing companies from worry about rising prices.

20.   Central banks that are independent of government influence are generally more willing to keep interest rates high to curb inflation.