Senators' jury get do's & don'ts advise on trial decorum
The United States braced for its first impeachment trial of a President in 130 years, a Constitutional spectacle which the White House believes could end in a virtual coup attempt to depose President Bill Clinton.

Tocom precious metals end firmer on steady dollar
Yen-based precious metal futures closed mostly firmer on Thursday reflecting a stable dollar against the yen, but their topside was blocked after heavy losses in New York overnight, traders said.

Roche says 98 sales up 31 pc at 24.7 bn Sfr
Swiss pharmaceuticals and diagnostics group Roche Holding AG on Thursday said 1998 group sales rose 31 per cent in Swiss franc terms to 24.66 billion francs, in line with analysts' expectations.

  Nepalese prime minister wins vote of confidence
  Malaysia bank shares gaining favour after turmoil
  Japan's Kao cleans up amid recession
  Indonesian copper gloomy, aluminium shines
  S&P sees Seoul ratings upgrade likely
  LVMH keeps market guessing on Gucci
  Marks & Spencer warns on full year profits
  South Korean ethylene run rates high, but going lower
  Vietnam rice trade picks up on strong demand
  Koralu to venture into smelting, power
  World Briefing
  Brazil news unlikely to spur Asian grain trade
  China 1999 fuel oil imports may hit 16m tonnes
  China oilseeds imports from Brazil seen rising
  Weak Asian naphtha seen to undermine KPC premiums
  Pakistan rice prices seen steady amid low buying
  China to slash trust firms, announcement imminent
  Japan firms see no immediate impact from Brazil
  IMF urges Brazil to press on with spending cuts
  Tung says HK economy has bottomed out, to stay flat
  Jitters in Thailand on Brazil currency woes
  Dasa opens contacts with French partners on BAe merger
  Brazil faces critical day after devaluation