21.   That divergence reflects a decade of superior returns for investors in Coca-Cola and a heavy debt burden at Coca-Cola Enterprises.

22.   The superior returns have created a boomlet for banks and securities firms selling Brazilian stock mutual funds.

23.   The superior returns reflected the improved credit standing of banks as a growing economy and a wave of mergers strengthened their balance sheets.

24.   Though stocks promise a superior long-term return, their short-term volatility is high.

25.   Quite simply, it is because they want superior returns over the medium to long term.