1.   Neither LDP plan proposed an income tax cut to boost consumer spending or any substantial public works spending measures.

2.   Stock traders hoping for a discount rate cut to boost equity prices by lowering the cost of funds for corporate investment.

3.   That means avoiding ruthless job cutting to boost profits temporarily only to leave a shell of a company.

4.   The measures are expected to include a tax cut to boost consumer spending, spending cuts, aid to struggling private companies and a debt swap.

5.   The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is struggling to persuade independent producers to cooperate with a production cut to boost prices.

6.   But analysts warn the social cost could be high if jobs are cut to boost efficiency at loss-making public firms.