1.   Although the government has repeatedly denied plans to devalue the bolivar, expectations of a devaluation persist.

2.   According to an exchange board member, the group recommended that the bolivar be devalued.

3.   Ending price controls and devaluing the bolivar will cause a rapid acceleration in inflation.

4.   Falling oil prices also could cause the government to devalue the bolivar to meet is budget commitments.

5.   In addition, some Venezuelans are willing to suffer a currency loss now in hopes of avoiding an even bigger one later if the bolivar is devalued significantly.

6.   Speculation is mounting that the government may devalue the bolivar if oil prices continue to plunge.

7.   Speculation has mounted that the government may devalue the bolivar if oil prices continue to plunge.

8.   The result has been a surge of demand for the bonds and mounting speculation that the bolivar will be devalued.

9.   Venezuelan stocks fell for the second day amid concern the country may not secure international loans until it dismantles currency controls and devalues the bolivar, traders said.

10.   Venezuela has already ruled out devaluing the bolivar as a condition for receiving the loan.