31.   Strong first-quarter results by some Venezuelan companies have also piqued interest.

32.   Strong first-quarter earnings have piqued foreign interest in Venezuelan companies, traders said.

33.   Spurred by strong second-quarter earnings by some Venezuelan companies, foreign investors are returning to the market.

34.   The decree will allow Venezuelan private companies to enter the domestic gasoline market.

35.   The paint producer was the only Venezuelan company traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

36.   The remainder is owned by Medido SA, a closely held Venezuelan company.

37.   Twelve Venezuelan companies have American depositary receipts, making their shares vulnerable to shifts in the U.S. economy.

38.   Venezuelan companies have the lowest price to earnings ratios in Latin America.

39.   Venezuelan companies, meanwhile, appear to be lobbying hard to get Chavez to address the economic situation.

40.   Venezuelan interest rates sometimes follow U.S. rates, and a slowing U.S. economy would mean reduced orders for Venezuelan companies.