31.   Traders said shares were dragged down by rising domestic interest rates and the volatile currency market.

32.   U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and Japanese Finance Minister Masayoshi expressed mutual concern and agreed to join in trying to stabilize volatile currency exchange rates.

33.   Weaker European currencies were also driven lower against the mark, presenting strains in the sometimes volatile European currency management system.

34.   To achieve economic stability Afghanistan must steady its volatile currency against the greenback and the rupee, Hashim said.

35.   It will focus on the currency crisis in Mexico, an APEC member, as well as volatile Asian currency rates, officials said.

36.   Market participants expected the decision would dispel worries of inflation in the United States, and dealers said it should help stabilise the recently volatile foreign currency market.