1.   And if raw materials prices continue to slide, growth of some Latin companies -- and stock markets - could continue to be hurt.

2.   During the peso crisis, sales of new securities by Latin companies dried up and some investors pulled their money out of emerging markets.

3.   It was the latest swoop by U.S. investment firms, targeting private Latin companies instead of stocks.

4.   Long confined to local customers by protectionism, Latin companies are now exporting products to many countries, including Cuba, in record numbers.

5.   Most Latin record companies care very little about documenting the music.

6.   More Latin companies are raising capital overseas and listing their shares for trading in the U.S.

7.   Particularly hard-hit are the stocks of Latin companies that produce raw materials, such as copper, paper, beef or soybeans.

8.   That said, there are signs that Latin companies are beginning to look to equity markets, rather than banks or debt sales.

9.   That said, there are signs that Latin companies are beginning to look to equity markets, rather than bank borrowings or debt sales.

10.   The credit squeeze could force some Latin companies to look to foreign suitors.