41.  The outlook for Singapore companies is colored by the regional currency turmoil.

42.  The Singapore dollar trades against a basket of currencies of its trading partners and has been tumbling in line with the declines of regional currencies.

43.  The repo agreements were prompted by the economic crises in Mexico last year, which sent regional currencies tumbling as foreign investors pulled money out of emerging markets.

44.  --The steady appreciation of the U.S. dollar, to which many regional currencies have been linked.

45.  The Thai baht, which set off the regional currency crises by, fell to a record low against the dollar yesterday.

46.  These factors have led to sharp devaluations in regional currencies.

47.  They are likely to discuss the regional currencies, macroeconomic policies and financial systems, Anzai said.

48.  They said they would assign central bankers to work out details, possibly including the establishment of a regional currency clearing house.

49.  Unlike Hong Kong, Singapore has allowed its currency to drift downward, though not as much as other regional currencies.

50.  Weaker regional currencies threatens to accelerate inflation and makes it harder for companies to pay back their debts.